A team from the Beyond Access Libraries Powering Development, a US-based organization, visited the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) to observe and evaluate if the library meets the required standards to qualify for possible inclusion in the shortlist of libraries in the world. This also paved the way for QCPL to be invited to join the said organization.

QCPL head Emelita Villanueva is optimistic that the probable inclusion of the QCPL in the shortlist will help the library enhance the benefits from its expanding services to the reading public. She said that one potential result of the team's visit would be the sharing of beneficial experiences and strategies to come up with the necessary programs most advantageous to the increasing number of library goers being served by the QCPL.

"QCPL is very fortunate that our humble endeavor to serve the public, especially the students, has garnered positive feedbacks and is given recognition locally and globally", she said.

Beyond Access is an organization that aims to form a big group with the world's most innovative public libraries as members, to address development challenges in the community of nations. The group will demonstrate globally the unidentified impact and importance of this book-shelving-corner to the growth of not only the reading public and book enthusiasts, but also of the world community as a whole.

If chosen to be part of the Beyond Access family, QCPL will be eligible to receive consulting and training resources, host relevant events and develop promotional materials for their activities. Members will also receive full funding to attend the Beyond Access 2012 conference in Washington, D.C. to showcase their work and compete for grant awards up to $10,000 to expand their programs and accomplishments.

Aside from supplying reading and reference materials to book lovers and the reading public, QCPL also has other projects like storytelling, puppet shows, and free computer use as well as tutorials to win more library goers.

QC - PAISO