Photo by Christella D. Soriano
Most Ateneans go to the Rizal Library to do one of three things: use a computer, study or sleep.
So when Pia Ranada (IV AB Comm) noticed that the library had more to offer than what the students were using, she decided to establish The Ateneo BookBench, an independent student organization aimed at bringing back the culture of reading among Ateneans.
As the student arm organization of the Rizal Library, BookBench has put up a Book Corner in the first floor of the New Rizal Library and holds Friday Night Lib (FNL) film viewings in the Multimedia Room—making it hard to believe they’ve only been around for a year.
An opening chapter
A self-confessed bookworm, Ranada envisioned BookBench to be a group of people who shared her interest in literature. It’s indeed refreshing to see that amidst a sea of collegians who complain about hefty class readings, there emerged those who still believe leisure reading is not a thing of the past.
She shares how BookBench had its beginning within the library itself during early 2011. “I wrote a letter–just there in the Information Commons–printed it out, and gave it to the director,” says Ranada. “Five hours after, she texted me, saying, ‘This letter has brightened my day! We’ve been looking for a student org for a long time and suddenly you volunteered.’”
With its youthful vibe, BookBench soon attracted over a hundred members. BookBench Human Resources head Ida Cortez (III AB Philo) shares how membership was easy to attain: “We just had to email our favorite quotation and that was it! It was so cool because the BookBench activities seemed really fun, but at the same time, it’s not just about that. We mean business as well.”
On a noble quest
And busy they have been. Every month, a theme is chosen for the offerings of Book Corner and FNL. For example, FNL had Seven Samurai for Asian film and One More Chance for Buwan ng Wika. Meanwhile, the Book Corner features The Little Prince among classic works and Sherlock Holmes for detective mysteries.
In a time when a huge portion of the youth open books only when required to, BookBench aims to encourage teens to read. “We make it a point to choose books that students will want to read for leisure. What this does is show students that there are more than just academic books in the library,” says Ranada.
“During meetings, we try to find out what makes Ateneans tick,” adds Cortez. “And there are times when we counter-culture. For example, if it’s February, do we necessarily have to show romantic flicks? Or do we shake things up and show horror films instead? It’s a balance between taking risks and giving in to norms.”
Students may now also suggest what books the library should buy for the fifth floor’s incoming Fiction collection through the “Recommend-a-Book” tab on the library website.
Greater student involvement is another key goal of BookBench. For example, there’s “My Lib,” a project that invites students to suggest library improvements.
“During the first semester, it was called ‘Alternative Lib 101,’ where we made manuals for freshmen about the library, including what services could be found on each floor,” says BookBench Secretary-General Cookie Llorente (IV AB IS). “This semester, we’ll have a bulletin board where the top questions and requests of the students about the library will be posted. In turn, the library will also post their answers there.”
Beyond book and movie suggestions, BookBench also seeks to widen their contribution to the Ateneo by taking part in social action and university-wide activities. Last November, BookBench held a book drive to benefit public schools; it was popular among students, who received free Angry Bird cupcakes upon donating.
In January’s A-Fair, Game of Thronesfans enjoyed BookBench’s themed booth; in February, they’ll hold an e-book review contest to show how students can take part in literary culture even while using new media forms.
Photo by Kitkat S. Lastimosa
Confronting their dragons
BookBench’s biggest challenge lies in Ateneans who simply do not pick up books for leisure and would rather surf the internet for instant pleasure. Nevertheless, members face this challenge with humility while keeping a healthy dose of optimism.
“I believe that if they don’t want to, it’s okay. In BookBench, we simply encourage people to read. Just take a look and you might be encouraged,” says Llorente. At the same time, she recommends to the techies: “E-books are also popular and the library has those, too!”
Ranada insists that though there is nothing wrong with being a netizen, books will exercise your brain better. “Internet text tends to be short and snappy to cater to people’s short attention spans. Books can go as thick as 1,000 pages. If you’re a reader, you’re more likely to be able to focus more on arduous mental exercises.”
“Reading also allows you to use your imagination more. Online games present you with a created world. When you read, you do the creating. For me, that’s what makes reading so exciting. It’s a creative process as well.”
A champion’s reward
Despite the belief that many Ateneans are simply too busy to care about books, the student body’s reception of BookBench has been stellar. More people are now aware of Library services, like professors who scheduled film screenings after learning of FNL. Moreover, the org has been getting a lot of good reviews and support.
“I have to commend the free movie screenings,” says Niki dela Cruz (II AB Comm). “It’s a very good way to promote movies, plus it helps out students who don’t know which movies to watch. I also like the book drives.”
It’s amazing that the members’ desire to develop the org is endless; they believe that their biggest challenge is in wanting to do so much yet not being able to, as they are still undergoing accreditation.
For them, working to create a reading culture keeps them dreaming of a future where the library will be visited not by sleepy, uninterested students. It is a future where Ateneans with a genuine desire to learn come to explore the stories tucked within the library’s shelves.
Whether this future comes sooner or later, one thing’s for sure: BookBench will live to tell the tale.
