Iloilo City opens first ‘Library sa Merkado’ at Central Market

The Iloilo City Government has opened its first public library inside a public market, expanding access to books and learning spaces for children, families, vendors and shoppers.

The Library sa Merkado, located on the second floor of the Iloilo Central Market, was formally opened on August 28, with Mayor Raisa Treñas leading the inauguration.

The facility, donated by the Zonta Club of Iloilo and constructed by Technical Institute of Iloilo City, is envisioned as both a reading nook and children’s center where families visiting or working at the market can have convenient access to books and educational activities.

Treñas said the initiative is particularly aimed at developing a love for reading among children at an early age.

“Para gid ini sa aton mga kabataan. We have to start them young to love reading. Kay kon sila bata pa naga-enjoy sa pagbasa, indi sila mabudlayan magtuon sa pila ka adlaw,” the mayor said.

She also encouraged parents to help their children develop an interest in reading, emphasizing its importance in their education and development.

Treñas said the city government plans to replicate the Library sa Merkado concept in other public markets to bring reading and learning spaces closer to more communities.

Executive Assistant Matty Treñas said Iloilo City currently has two operational district libraries, eight barangay reading centers and four outdoor libraries in district plazas.

“The Library sa Merkado is more than just books and shelves. It is a safe space for learning, a hub for literacy, and a tilipunan for our market community, for our vendors, shoppers and their children,” she said.

Joining the mayor during the opening were her daughter Thea, t Matty Treñas, Iloilo City Public Library head Marion Aguirre, and representatives of the Zonta Club of Iloilo.

The opening also featured a storytelling session led by Mayor Treñas for children, followed by treats from participating Kape Ta sa Merkado vendors and entertainment featuring Kuromi mascots.

The Library sa Merkado adds to Iloilo City’s growing network of community-based reading spaces as the city seeks to make books and learning opportunities more accessible beyond traditional library facilities.