In celebration of its 40th anniversary, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, wrapped up the Book Nook Book Donation Drive with an inspiring show of community spirit, collecting over 70,000 pre-loved books across 88 SM malls nationwide. The initiative brought together thousands of Filipinos in a shared mission to spark the joy of reading and promote lifelong learning.
Present at the event were SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President Ms. Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, National Library of the Philippines Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Book Nook Pioneer Ms. Shereen T. Sy, and SM Engineering Design and Development President Mr. Hans “Chico” T. Sy Jr.
“When SM celebrated its 40th anniversary, the focus was not on grandeur, but on purpose: to transform this spirit of sharing into a full-fledged Book Nook Book Donation Drive,” shared Mr. Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Director of the National Library of the Philippines. “From that spark, the journey truly took root, born from a shared belief that stories are gifts meant to be passed on.”
From July 7 to October 15, 2025, mallgoers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao donated books of all kinds, from children’s stories and educational materials to novels and reference titles, to benefit public libraries and community reading spaces across the country.
The reach of this initiative speaks volumes. The Book Nook Book Donation Drive has enriched 88 libraries and reading centers nationwide, including 74 affiliated public libraries in Luzon, 7 in the Visayas, and 7 in Mindanao. This collective effort will benefit an estimated 219,936 students, families, and educators, transforming libraries into vibrant hubs where learning thrives and stories come alive.
The culmination of the drive was marked by a ceremonial turnover held on November 27, 2025, at the National Library of the Philippines, where SM Cares formally turned over the collected books to its 88 partner library communities. The event stood as a milestone celebration of how the Book Nook program continues to strengthen literacy and learning through accessible, community-based reading spaces located in SM malls nationwide.
“Through the Book Nook, we hope to nurture curiosity and creativity in every Filipino,” said Ms. Shereen T. Sy, Pioneer of the Book Nook program under SM Cares. “This initiative shows us how collective action can create lasting impact, one book, one reader, one community at a time.”
During the turnover, Book Nook also recognized exemplary public librarians who have gone above and beyond in fostering literacy and learning in their communities. The Heart of the Library Award for Most Outstanding Librarian was presented to Ms. Michael “Aiko” Nagas of the City Library of San Fernando, La Union, for her dedication to making books and knowledge accessible to all.
Meanwhile, the Literacy Partner Award was presented to outstanding librarians across the country, including Ms. Rosena Roman of the City of Imus Public Library, Ms. Easter Wahayna-Pablo of the Baguio City Public Library, Ms. Mylene Villanueva of the Manila City Library, and Mr. Michael Pinto of the Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center. These individuals were honored for their invaluable efforts in promoting reading, cultivating lifelong learning, and inspiring their communities to grow through knowledge.
This milestone is more than a celebration. SM Cares remains dedicated to empowering future generations through literacy and learning. Through initiatives like Book Nook, the organization aims to nurture curiosity, creativity, and connection.
