The Little Library in Tubungan

By Noel Galon de Leon

Something extraordinary is happening in Tubungan, Iloilo, and it all began with one person’s vision. Dr. Belle Overio, an Ilongga doctor with a deep love for her community, recently created a small pop-up library, a simple idea that has already ignited an outpouring of support. When she shared the news on Facebook, her post went viral almost instantly, drawing donations of books, school supplies, and heartfelt encouragement from people eager to be part of this humble yet powerful project.

When I first saw the post, I felt a rush of excitement and admiration. What struck me most was not only the generosity it inspired but also the way Dr. Belle reimagined what a library could be. Unlike the usual libraries we think of, quiet, air-conditioned spaces in malls or community centers, this library exists in a place that people would not normally expect. Children pass by it every day, and now, while resting or walking through their neighborhood, they have access to books and stories that can transport them far beyond their surroundings. That kind of creative thinking is rare, and it is truly inspiring.

I have always been drawn to people who think outside the box, and Dr. Belle is exactly that kind of person. In a place where resources for children are limited, especially for those living on the edges of town, it is uncommon to encounter someone with both the vision and the determination to make a tangible difference.

When I learned that the library still needed books, I immediately reached out to Dr. Belle to see how I could help. And that is when it hit me: more people, especially those who have the means and influence like doctors and professionals, should be encouraged to do the same. Small alternative spaces like this, built right in the heart of barangays or remote areas, could ensure that children who are often overlooked by government-funded programs finally have access to reading materials. Dr. Belle’s initiative reminds us that it is possible to meet the real needs of our communities with thoughtful, locally grounded solutions.

Of course, donating books is only the beginning. I began thinking about how this project could be amplified. The local government could play a crucial role in supporting this initiative, providing resources, guidance, and recognition. For me, Dr. Belle’s library is more than a collection of books; it is a lifeline for children in parts of Tubungan where libraries rarely reach.

But there is another layer to this work that I want to emphasize. It is not enough to simply fill shelves with books. The collection must reflect the lives and languages of the children who read them. This means including stories written in Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a, as well as works by Filipino authors and illustrators. It means prioritizing local narratives that children can relate to, rather than defaulting to tales of snow or fairy tales from distant Western worlds. When children see their own experiences, landscapes, and culture reflected in books, reading becomes more than a pastime; it becomes a mirror, a connection, and a spark for imagination.

I hope that initiatives like Dr. Belle’s will inspire others, both the local government and individuals with the capacity to act, to recognize and support community-based literacy projects. What she has started in Tubungan is not just admirable; it is transformative. It shows us what is possible when passion meets action, when love for children, culture, and learning drives a simple idea to life.

If more people follow Dr. Belle’s example, we could see a future where no child is denied access to books and knowledge simply because of where they live. And in a country where libraries remain scarce, projects like this remind us that change does not always need grand buildings or government programs; it starts with one person, one vision, and one little library in a place where it is needed most.

***

Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.