The bookkeeper of Manila: How one man’s passion for reading sparked a Community of Learning
This isn’t just a library; it’s a living, breathing organism that grows alongside the community it serves.
In a world where education remains a privilege for many, a 72-year-old man has taken it upon himself to make knowledge accessible to all.
Hernando Guanlao, affectionately known as Mang Nanie, has spent the last two decades dedicating his life to sharing his love for books through the Reading Club 2000—a public library that has transformed not only his neighborhood but also the lives of countless individuals seeking knowledge and growth.
Mang Nanie’s journey began with a lifelong love for reading, a passion that only grew stronger as he aged.
As he approached his 50th year, facing personal and financial challenges, he decided to honor his parents, who had valued education deeply, by sharing his personal collection of books with his community.
What started as a modest display of fewer than 50 books outside his home with a sign reading “Reading is free” has blossomed into a vast collection that fills every corner of his house.
From the garage to the living room, shelves overflow with encyclopedias, religious texts, novels, and textbooks spanning a wide range of subjects, from engineering to nursing.
Books That Breathe Life
To Mang Nanie, books are not just objects to be stored; they are living entities that fulfill their purpose only when read. "Books need to live," he says. "They are only alive if they are being read."
This belief lies at the heart of his mission. There are no fees, no membership requirements, and no strict rules at the Reading Club 2000.
Anyone is welcome to borrow a book, return it, or even keep it—because for Mang Nanie, the true value of a book lies in how it enriches lives.
The sight of thousands of books stacked in crates and lined on shelves in his home immediately captures the attention of passersby.
This isn’t just a library; it’s a living, breathing organism that grows alongside the community it serves.
The library’s philosophy is simple yet profound: books should be accessible to all, especially to those who lack the financial means to buy them.
By sharing his love for books, he has given people the chance to learn, to grow, and to dream of a brighter future.
A Personal Mission Turned Community Collaboration
While the Reading Club 2000 has evolved into a community-driven initiative, it remains deeply personal for Mang Nanie. The library reflects his values and his unshakable belief in the transformative power of education.
Over the years, the community has rallied around him—people donate books, volunteer their time, and even bring snacks for the children who visit.
It’s this spirit of generosity and collaboration that has kept the library thriving.
Every day, you’ll find Mang Nanie happily sorting through new donations, welcoming visitors, and sharing his love for reading.
His unwavering dedication has inspired people far beyond his immediate community—reaching educators, students, and book lovers across Manila and beyond.
Many visit the library just to meet the man behind it, eager to contribute to a project that has such a meaningful impact.
For students, teachers, and social workers, the Reading Club 2000 is more than just a library—it’s a lifeline.
The abundance of resources available opens doors to academic success and personal growth that many could only have dreamed of before.
A Legacy of Love for Knowledge
As Mang Nanie continues his mission, the impact of the Reading Club 2000 grows ever stronger.
What began as a simple act of sharing his personal collection has evolved into a movement that challenges the notion that education and knowledge should be limited by financial barriers.
Through his library, Mang Nanie has leveled the playing field, proving that one person’s passion can ignite change and inspire a community.
His story is a powerful testament to the difference one individual can make when driven by a genuine desire to help others. Mang Nanie’s work is not just about providing books; it’s about cultivating a culture of learning, generosity, and community.
His legacy is not just in the thousands of books that have passed through his hands but in the countless lives that have been transformed by his kindness.
In a world where access to education is often unequal, Mang Nanie’s dedication is a beacon of hope.
By sharing his love for books, he has given people the chance to learn, to grow, and to dream of a brighter future.
