Being the librarian in an independent research and reading library dedicated to the communities of the Northern Luzon, Philippines region and their global diasporas has its ups and downs.
On the plus side, our audience and guest traffic is eclectic, more so than any academic and/or school library can hope for. Eclectic they may be, but their priorities for going to the libary are nearly the same... to satisfy their curiosity and learn more about what makes this library special.
Some of the strengths of a special library are:
1. Loyal Readers and Word-of-mouth Popularity
Our network of readers is steadily growing. The library has a loyal circle of borrowers and
readers who frequently go to the library to check out new releases, ask for recommendations, and contribute to collection growth and development, e.g., providing leads on authors who might want to donate their books to the library and/or join the library’s network.
Mother-tongue enthusiast and "resident Canadian expat" Firth McEachern and professor and book author Aurelio Agcaoili, who both learned of the library’s existence through their friends.
2. “Instagrammable”
The library has become a place for senior high school students to brainstorm and create their theses. This age group loves to document their daily life events, including going to the library to do their research.
With the frequent hosting of workshops, film viewing, and other activities, as well as the existence of the mural on the outer walls of the library, people have started regarding AFTL as a great place to take photographs. These same people contribute greatly to the library’s popularity by posting these photos online (social media networks).
3. More Marketing Opportunities
Being "special" means attracting the notice of agencies that are on the lookout for new up-and-coming tourist destinations in the province. We have been featured in the Philippine Information Agency website, such as this post regarding the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library. In a way, being an independent entity and not having an institution as a parent can mean that the library is making a name of its own.