A homegrown specialty shop is promoting literacy through its “Leave a Book, Take a Book” initiative, which inspires the public to develop a love for reading.
The project invites people to “take a free book, enjoy a great read, and donate” their own to help foster a reading culture in the community.
Launched by Papemelroti, the initiative features a Mini Library where customers can pick a book of their choice at no cost. In return, they are encouraged to donate books they’ve already read, giving them a new home while freeing up space on their shelves..
As of August 13, Papemelroti’s Mini Libraries can be found at its branches in Ayala Malls Manila Bay and SM North EDSA, with another book station at its main branch along Roces Avenue in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City.
📖 MINI LIBRARY at papemelroti 📖 Have you visited our “Leave a Book, Take a Book” stations yet? Here’s where you can find them:
📍 Ayala Malls Manila Bay – 4/F
📍 Main Branch, Roces – Quezon City
📍 SM North EDSA – UG/F, City CenterWhere should we add one next? Comment down! pic.twitter.com/f6gA7mtXFy
— papemelroti (@papemelroti) August 13, 2025
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)‘s 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey found that the country is facing a comprehension crisis.
The survey found that over one in five Filipinos aged 10 to 64 struggle with reading comprehension, despite being able to read, write, and do basic math.
“For every nine individuals aged 10 to 64 who can read, write, and compute, two have difficulty with comprehension,” according to national statistician Claire Dennis Mapa.
Improving reading comprehension involves engaging in intentional activities such as reading and discussing books to deepen one’s understanding of the text.
