INSPIRED by the community pantry that started in Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, a group established the Pag-asa Community Library in Pag-asa St., Malate Manila.

The library has more than 700 books, according to Rain Russell Villaspin of Lahat ng Bata, a local youth group.

“I believe that books should be available and free for all. We can’t force reading a habit but we can develop that habit if books are accessible, because education is also a fundamental right,” he said.

He added that the library will help families in the neighborhood who cannot afford to buy books or learning materials.

Villaspin said that he came up with the idea because there were many children in their community who have no access to learning materials.

“Why can’t we create a common space where those who have more can give something and those who have none can take what they need, similar to the concept of the community pantries?” he added.