LIST: Find Solace in Books at These Libraries Around the Metro
Who knows, you might even find a community who shares the same passion for books.
by Ina Louise Manto | July 31, 2025
When was the last time you went to a library? While we’ve resorted to cafes for getting work done, the cost of getting coffee every time you want to go out and stay at a public space does add up. In case you’re looking for free spaces to study or work or simply looking for a venue to enjoy a good read in silence, we’ve got you covered with a list of Metro Manila libraries:
1. The Library at UCM
Location: Rada St., corner 1229 Legaspi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Tucked in the basement of Union Church of Manila is a library that houses over 25,000 books and audio materials. The library first started as an outreach program by the Women’s ministry to the expatriate community in the 80s. Now, the library welcomes all visitors, whether they are studying, working, or conducting workshops. While the library is free for use, you can pay an annual fee of PHP 200 to borrow books and access WiFi.
There’s also a free library outside the building where you can take or leave a book. The Public Book Box resembles Doctor Who’s TARDIS, so it wouldn’t be challenging to find.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays; 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Wednesdays; 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays. The library is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Entrance: Free
2. Filipinas Heritage Library
Location: Ayala Museum, Dela Rosa Street, Makati
You might’ve already visited the Ayala Museum for a field trip in school or a random date with friends, but did you know that it also houses a library? Located on the 6th floor of the museum, the Filipinas Heritage Library is home to over 10,000 Filipiniana volumes, dating back to 1946. Admission isn’t free to the library, but discounted rates are available for students, seniors, and PWDs. The fee already includes WiFi use, device charging, and access to the collections.
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 6 PM
Entrance: PHP300 for a 7-hour access
3. Book Club Coffee
Location: Tower 1, Globe Telecom Plaza, Unit 5 L/G, Mandaluyong City
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A library and a café in one space – sign us up! Book Club Coffee is a newly opened café in Mandaluyong where bookworms can take refuge. Pick a free book to read, buy a cup of coffee, and read to your heart’s content. They offer a collection of curated books, from niche genres, classics, and the latest best sellers, so there’s going to be a title for every type of reader. While the books are free, you can’t bring them home.
Instead, you can purchase a bookmark and leave it in between the pages of the book you picked up during your visit, so you know where to continue the next time. Pets are welcome here, too!
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM.
4. Common Room Mess Studio
Location: Atrium of Makati, Makati Avenue, Makati City
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While Common Room Mess Studio is a little bit of everything – part art studio, library, café, and a retail store for local craft owners- they have a section where you can browse books and magazines for free. This quaint space is tucked inside the picturesque Atrium of Makati building, and it’s a hidden paradise for anyone who loves arts and crafts. They also conduct workshops here, so keep an eye out on their social media to catch the next one.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays to Fridays, 9 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays and Sundays
Entrance: Free
5. Book Stop Project
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Imagine walking around the city and finding respite at a pop-up library, where you’re free to borrow a book and find a cozy spot in a nearby park. The first Book Stop was originally launched in Ayala Triangle, Makati, in 2016, before relocating to its permanent home at Plaza Roma in Intramuros. Currently, the award-winning project has three locations across the metro: one in Intramuros, one in Ayala Triangle, Makati, and one in Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.
Entrance: Free
6. Quezon City Public Library
Location: Quezon City Hall, Quezon City
The Quezon City Public Library originated as a collaborative effort between the National Library of the Philippines and the Quezon City Government in 1948. After changing locations over the past years, it has found its permanent home at a three-story building inside the Quezon City Hall Compound. With its success, the library has also expanded to 32 branches across QC. While visitors are free to visit, only those with a QCitizen ID may borrow a maximum of three books for up to seven days.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 7 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 8 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays; closed on Sundays
Entrance: Free, but there is a PHP20 per hour per device fee if you will charge your gadgets
7. National Library of the Philippines
Location: 1000 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila
Did you know that the National Library of the Philippines houses the original copies of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo? It’s the country’s largest library, which houses over a million materials. It’s the ideal venue, especially for students conducting research or remote employees seeking a public space to get work done.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance: Free, but bring a valid ID for registration
8. Ortigas Foundation Library
Location: 2nd Floor McKinley Parking Building, Service Road, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City
Tucked in Greenhills, the Ortigas Foundation Library is a Philippine study center that houses over 36,000 books, over 9,000 images, 383 periodicals, and 175 maps. It is a Filipiniana collection library, which aims to promote Philippine history, art, and culture. You might also want to follow their social media pages, as they hold exhibits and workshops.
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM on Mondays to Saturdays, closed on Sundays
Entrance: Free
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BONUS
Everything’s Fine
Location: Unit G8, Prince Tower, 14 Tordesillas, Makati City
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Founded in 2018, Everything’s Fine is not your typical library, but rather a publishing house that champions local authors. Their floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves are home to a carefully curated collection of books in various genres.
Opening hours: 12 PM to 7 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays
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