#CulturePH - Book Nook empowers Filipinos through literacy, self-expression, and giving back

In December 2020, Sheeren Sy, a Singaporean architect affiliated with SM Supermalls, initiated the establishment of Book Nook. The idea began when Sy encountered a small, unattended shelf in Australia, where people could share books for free.

 

Donate to our growing library at the Book Nook on the third level of SM Aura.

Shereen Sy, inspired by an unmanned book-sharing shelf in Melbourne, Australia, initiates the establishment of the Book Nook in 2020.

Inspired by this concept, she dreamed of bringing a similar initiative to the Philippines. Recognizing the spirit of "bayanihan" – a Filipino value that emphasizes communal unity and cooperation – Sy envisioned creating a space where Filipinos could share not just books but also their talents.

This open library on the third level of SM Aura is a cozy space that allows visitors to browse a growing collection of over 3,000 books, donate and swap books, and foster a love of reading and sharing while promoting community engagement.

Lifestyle journalist and author Stephanie Zubiri (right) collaborates with award-winning visual artist Vico Cham (left) to introduce "Chalky the Chameleon," a series of books promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Book Nook is more than just a place of learning; it's a dynamic hub that sparks interest and curiosity. Extending far beyond its collection of books, it hosts a variety of events and activities catering to diverse interests.

 

Nina Daza-Puyat, daughter of late culinary master Nora Daza, holds book readings of her children’s book “Ang Alamat ng Lumpiang Shanghai” and “The Forlorn Rice Cooker”.

Advertising veteran Merlee Jayme (second from right) launches her book “Ten Talks, Ten Cities” with (L-R): Businessman and former politician Manny Villar, National Bookstore’s Xandra Ramos-Padilla, and Book Nook founder Shereen Sy at the Book Nook in SM Aura.

In another initiative, the space provided a platform for solo mothers to connect through a book launch of "Solo, Yet SOLOved," by Tinette Cortes, a memoir about overcoming domestic violence.

Author of "Solo, Yet SOLOved" and solo mother Tinette Cortes (middle) with members of the SM SuperMoms Club.

To nurture local talent, Book Nook hosted a workshop led by comic book creator Jamie Bautista, where aspiring artists learned the intricacies of visual storytelling.

Emerging artists learn the art of visual storytelling from renowned comic book creator Jamie Bautista.

Moreover, in collaboration with Camerahaus, the biggest photography retailer in the Philippines, Book Nook organized a VlogCon to equip content creators with essential knowledge. Over 700 participants joined the event.

 

In the photo: Book Nook founder Shereen Sy (second from right) together with Camerahaus CEO William Sia (center) and Vice President Robenson Ong Lo (third from left) 

GMA Network donated copies of the illustrated children's book “Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” to SM Supermalls through Book Nook. “Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” is a companion book to GMA's TV series “My Guardian Alien,” which is about an alien who takes the form of a deceased woman named Katherine after accidentally crashing to Earth in a pod.

The cast of GMA's TV series “My Guardian Alien” (L-R): Arnold Reyes, Raphael Landicho, Christian Antolin, and Gabby Eigenmann (back).

The success of the initial location at SM Aura has led to the upcoming August 15 opening of a new branch at The Podium.

Learn more about SM's community programs at https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.

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