Landmark. The New Rizal Library embodies the future of Ateneo education with student-centered facilities and services - Photo by Tata Yap
CHANGING MODES of information made Rizal Library Director Lourdes David realize that she needed a new library building to keep up with the times.
“I needed more space for the growing student population,” said David during her speech at the inauguration of the new Rizal Library on December 8. She also needed to have an “intelligent building” where only outlets and no cables could be seen.
The building’s construction began last year and was finished in time for the sesquicentennial year.
A sesqui landmark
For prominent alumnus Manuel V. Pangilinan, who was present during the inauguration, libraries can fight against illiteracy. “It will be a tragedy to deny our children of the joys of readings and learning inside the library if we do not provide them with the equivalent of enlightenment.”
Because the Ateneo de Manila is an institution that develops knowledge, deepens passion, and forms future leaders, said Vice President Assunta Cuyegkeng, the new Rizal Library is representative of the 150th anniversary.
“[The Rizal Library] is a fitting symbol for what Ateneo de Manila will continue to be in the future… a fitting landmark with its innovations and ground-breaking services,” she said.
The peak of modernity
University President Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ said that financial difficulties prompted the Ateneo to try cheaper alternatives to building a new library, such as expanding the old one. “But we realized that something like that would not last and so we said, let’s go for a library of the 21st century.”
“This library,” said David, “is a building for the present and for the future.”
The library is designed to hold 500,000 volumes. “It will take us more than 50 years to reach [that],” said David.
The current library holds 234 volumes of printed books, 36,000 volumes of printed periodicals, and 3,400 volumes of audio-visual materials. It also has 43,000 e-books, 14,000 e-journals, and 3,000 other e-materials.
Apart from the information materials, the building was also crafted to be both functional and beneficial to the visitors of the library. It is oriented in a way that no sunlight will hit anyone directly.
Cuyegkeng said that the building uses green architecture. “The windows and walls optimize light and shade while the landscape gives off a cooling effect on the environment.”
The water used in the toilets is also recycled from rain.
Student use
Sanggunian President Gio Tingson said that he was very happy that his batch was still able to avail of the services of the new library.
Happy with the spaciousness of the library, Sanggu Vice President Jauro Castro finds that it is “[a place] that can house not just the books, but more of the students also.”
School of Science and Engineering Executive Board member Gerald Marin, meanwhile, likes how new library is complete with the necessary facilities such as computers and tables.
But while the “architecture is aesthetically appealing,” School of Social Sciences Executive Board member Third Fernandez wished the entire building is fully air-conditioned.
The new library is situated behind Horacio de la Costa Hall where Meron Pond was formerly located.
