The halls of Keys School Manila came alive with literary excitement from November 19-21, 2024, as the institution embraced the powerful theme "LibVOCACY: Unity towards Inclusive and Empowered Libraries." This year's celebration was more than just an event—it was a profound testament to the transformative power of knowledge, collaboration, and inclusive learning.

Keys School Manila's Library Team with author Zarah Gagatiga during the Read-Aloud celebration 

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

At the heart of this celebration stood Teacher Al Del Rosario, the Head Librarian whose passion for libraries ran deep and personal. His journey into librarianship was inspired by a deeply meaningful connection—his dearly departed older sister, who showed him that education extends far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. "She initiated me into the best things that an educator can be," Teacher Al reflected.

Head Librarian Al Del Rosario engaging Pre-K students in a vibrant storytelling session

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

A Comprehensive Celebration of Learning

The week-long celebration was a meticulously crafted tapestry of educational experiences, designed to engage students across multiple dimensions of learning:

1. Book Fair: A Literary Marketplace

Students explored a vibrant array of books, discovering new worlds, perspectives, and knowledge. The fair wasn't just about purchasing books, but about igniting a lifelong love for reading and learning.

Grade 5 students discovering new worlds at the Keys School Manila Book Fair

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

2. Creative Expressions of Knowledge

The poster-making competition saw students transforming abstract concepts of library and knowledge into visual narratives. Each poster was a unique reflection of how students perceive the power of information and reading.

3. Crafting Literacy: Bookmark Workshop

A hands-on bookmark-making activity merged creativity with literary appreciation. Students didn't just create bookmarks; they crafted personal tokens of their reading journey.

4. Storytelling and Language Development

Read Aloud sessions brought stories to life, with a special emphasis on Filipino language development. The Filipino Department played a crucial role in these sessions, ensuring that linguistic skills were nurtured alongside imagination. 

Author Zarah Gagatiga captivating young readers during the Library and Information Service Month event

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

Renowned storytellers like Zarah Gagatiga and Abet Cruz captivated students with their engaging narratives, demonstrating the power of Filipino literature in connecting young minds to their cultural heritage. These sessions not only enhanced students' language proficiency but also celebrated the richness of Filipino storytelling traditions, inspiring students to appreciate and explore the depth and beauty of their native language.

Storyteller Abet Cruz connects with 6th grader Evita Angeles, sharing a moment of literary magic during the Keys School Manila Library and Information Service Month

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

5. Celebrating Reading Champions

The Recognition of Top Borrowers was a moment of celebration, honoring students who have shown exceptional commitment to reading and learning.

Teacher Al Del Rosario with top library borrowers Jaime Ledesma and Yara Jimenez from Grade 5-Araullo, alongside Literacy Teacher Celine Cuerpo

Photo © Teacher Al Del Rosario

For Teacher Al, a library was more than a repository of books—it was a dynamic, accessible hub of information. "...by introducing stakeholders to information in the most convenient possible way, with the help of technological developments," he explained. This approach reflected Keys School Manila's progressive educational philosophy.

"The library augmented the development of young minds," Teacher Al shared, revealing the deeper mission of the library. "What the curriculum provided and may have lacked, the library could give." This philosophy transformed the library from a passive space of book storage to an active center of learning and personal growth.

The steady stream of knowledge and the ability to contribute to young minds' development was what made library work profoundly satisfying for Teacher Al. His commitment went beyond managing books—it was about nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning.

As the celebration concluded, it was clear that this was more than an annual event. It was a powerful statement about the role of libraries in modern education—as inclusive, dynamic spaces that empower students to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and passionate readers.

Keys School Manila continues to demonstrate that a library is not just a room full of books, but a gateway to endless possibilities, a catalyst for personal growth, and a cornerstone of progressive education.