HISTORY

The MAIN LIBRARY of the Manila City Library was transformed into a division and has its legal of existence by Ordinance Ni. 2982s, s. 1946.

Its transformation to REFERENCE DIVISION was brought about through the issuance of officials orders namely: Administrative Order No. 43 dated September 30, 1965 and Memorandum Circular dated December 28, 1971 which departmentalized the Main Library into two separate service: the REFERENCE DIVISION and the CIRCULATION DIVISION which later became the BRANCH LIBRARY DIVISION.

And in 1965, Mayor Lito Antonio J. Villegas issued his Executive order No. 40 directing the organization and establishment of distinct Museum and Library to be known as the Kamaynilaan.By the authority of the Ordinances No. 4834 and dated November 6, 1963 and March 25, 1966 respectively, a three-storey concrete building with mezzanine was erected to house the Main Library and Central Office of the Manila City Library.This was a fulfillment of a cherished dream of having a main library building which will showcase Manila’s rich culture and history.

It was in 1988 when need to reconstitute the Reference Division was accorded attention.Through the efforts of Atty. Filemon L. Gecolea (then City Librarian) and Mr. Conrado C. Moran (then Chief of the Reference Division), a concept plan, requiring the construction of a 3-storey building, where the Manila City Library will be relocated, was prepared by the City Engineering’s Office.The construction site is at a corner in Mehan Garden bounded by Hospital Road and Arroceros Street.It was an ideal spot being within the project area for the proposed cultural complex of Manila and the ready perspective plan was malveled at within anticipation.However, the expectations of this office was smothered upon information that the proposed site was the same spot where the Hall of Justice was to be erected.This negative development may have dampened the enthusiasm of many, but Atty. Gecolea continued to look for alternative sites, believing that the construction of a main library building is a major factor in the progress and development of the Manila City Library.

Finally in 1993, under the General Fund of the City, the amount of 9 Million Pesos was earmarked for the construction of a second floor at the Sining Kayumanggi building to house the Main Library and the Central Office of the Manila City Library.The construction project started in the latter part of 1994.There was a minor delay in its completion when construction activities were suspended pending the release of additional funds for its final completion.

In mid September of 1996, a month away from the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Manila City Library, the Honorable Mayor Alfredo S. Lim gave signal to begin the relocation of the library at the new building.

The Main Library building was inaugurated coincidental with the Golden Anniversary of the Manila City Library on October 28, 1996, in the presence of almost 500 guests, mostly students from nearby schools who witnessed an eventful episode in the history of the Manila City Library and a realization of a dream.

During the administration of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, the On-line Public Access Catalog system became operational at the Main Library (Reference Division). The system allowed the efficient and easy process of book inventory and the quick access of readers to the books. readers may locate their desired book in minutes. This additional feature in the library service had placed the Manila City Library part with modern libraries in the country. Manila City Library likewise extended its library service days and the nine (9) library service outlets were opened to the public every Saturday, starting March 1, 2009.

Five (5) library buildings were also improved and transformed to beutiful library facilities. Mayor Alfredo S. Lim lead the inaguaration and blessing ceremoniesof Kapitan Isidro Mendoza public Library and Bacood Public Library, together with Ms. Ma. Gracia V. Gargantiel, Officer-In-Charge of the Manila City Library.

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