National Library
of the Philippines
Address:
T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
Operating Hours:
Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Director IV:
Mr. Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano
Note:
Library Card is free but having it printed is optional for a fee of 100 php
Contact number:
310-5035
(02)525-3196
E-mail:
do@nlp.gov.ph
Website:
web.nlp.gov.ph
As of Aug 6, 2018 only the reading services of the Theses and Dissertations Collection is open. Other materials and facilities are still limited and closed due to the undergoing construction activities.
The National Library of the Philippines is the country’s “repository of printed and recorded cultural heritage”. It is located in Ermita on a portion of Rizal Park facing T.M. Kalaw Avenue. It neighbors culturally significant buildings such as the Museum of Philippine Political History and the National Historical Commission. This library is the central node of the country’s public library system. It is responsible for linking the public libraries in terms of information system and service orientation.
The National Library is one of the biggest repositories of books in the country. Everyone has access to thousands of materials for free, as long as you have a valid ID.
It hosts an extensive collection of periodicals, books, multimedia and more. They host storytelling sessions and puppet shows for children who visit. The library has sections for Iranian Studies, Filipiniana books, and even a special library for the blind.
But before you take a visit, you can check their Online Public Access Catalog or OPAC in their website to see if they have what you need. The National Library of the Philippines isn’t just a place for books and studying, they also offer services for copyright registration.
Unfortunately, the National Library of the Philippines is under renovation until further notice as of the moment.
Collection:
Preserved over 98 million pages of Filipiniana materials
21,000 volumes of new library materials for 2018
Available in their website:
– Digitized catalog system
– Philippine eLibrary
1st Floor
- Theses and Dissertations
- Reference section
- Periodicals
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Filipiniana Division
- Special collections
– Children’s Library
– Asia and Oceania
– General Book and References
– Serials and United Nations Publications
– Library for the Blind
– Iranian Studies
– China Book Room
- Rare Books and Manuscripts
– General Books
– Serials
– Government Publications
– Multimedia
– Conservation Section
2nd Floor
- IT/ Multimedia services
- Library Card Registration
Others:
- Digital Library available in their website (http://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp/?q=node/676)
(http://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp/?q=node/48)
Services Offered:
- Reference Assistance
- OPAC
- Internet/Wifi
- Printing
- Photocopying
- Online Academic Databases
- Copyright Registration
- International Standard Registration for books, music, and serials
Note:
Requirements for Researchers
Readers need to acquire a Client transaction stub before using the library facilities and resources.
- Bring one (1) valid ID
- Register at IT Division on the 2nd Floor
*NLP Client ID is optional (available in PVC type at Php100.00).
Unique Features:
- Theses and Dissertations
This room is filled with theses of a lot of interesting topics that were made by students researchers and actual researchers. - Copyright Registration Services
- International Standard Registration for books, music, and serials for Filipino makers.
- Special Collections
– Rare Books and Manuscripts
– Philippine Archives
-Library for the Blind
Patrons:
More the 200 patrons per day
- High School Students
- College Students of nearby schools
- Government employees
- Children
- Adults
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s)

Address:
T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
Check the map below for directions