Urdaneta city: The Urdaneta City public library is utilizing both physical books and electronic devices in its aim to boost literacy and comprehension while promoting responsible use of digital technology.

According to Philippines News Agency, Urdaneta City librarian Bernardine Gravela emphasized that physical books need not compete with gadgets, particularly in the education of younger generations. In a recent phone interview, Gravela explained that children today, being digital natives, have an innate ability to engage with books through their phones. The public library has embraced this by offering e-books via the National Library of the Philippines e-portal, accessible to everyone for free.

Gravela highlighted that the National Library offers these resources at no cost to Filipinos, with interested individuals required to create an account to gain access. The focus is on promoting responsible digital citizenship, countering perceptions that electronic gadgets might have negative effects. Gravela noted that e-books could enhance information retention by engaging multiple senses, such as sound.

The library also aims to foster critical thinking and analysis by encouraging readers to choose their digital reading sources carefully. Gravela pointed out that unlike uncurated internet content, the National Library e-Portal provides a safe, curated collection of e-books selected by librarians.

In addition to digital resources, the Urdaneta City library offers a diverse selection of materials for children, persons with disabilities, and other community members. Gravela mentioned that the library actively designs programs to cultivate a love for reading, including storytelling sessions, home visitations for PWDs, and combined reading and computer literacy programs.

The library welcomes at least 100 visitors daily, with numbers rising during students' examination periods. Gravela assured that the library provides ample materials for study and review, as well as a rich collection of children's books and resources for beginning readers.

Furthermore, the library collaborates with the Department of Education for remedial reading programs and operates Barangay Reading centers in every community within the city.