Here’s how you can visit again the National Library and San Agustin Museum

For those who are in need to do further research or simply want to have a quiet time while reading and working, the National Library of the Philippines on Kalaw St. in Manila has opened its doors to the public after being closed for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The library’s reading room is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a safety precaution, the library is following a “new normal” operational procedure and minimum health standards set by the IATF are strictly observed.

Those who plan to visit the library should note that walk-ins are not permitted and only 100 visitors are allowed per day.

One is required to book an appointment online ahead of one’s intended date of visit through the library’s online appointment reservation form, which also includes a health declaration form.

Once the appointment is confirmed via e-mail, one will be given a library user reservation code (LURC) to validate the reservations. Seat numbers will also be issued.

The library encourages visitors to browse the NLP Online Public Access Catalog to identify the materials they need to use prior to their visit

Precautionary measures in place inside the library include wearing of a face mask and face shield as well as disinfecting one’s shoes using sanitizing mats before entry in the building. Physical distancing is also enforced and strictly observed.

Recently, author, historian and former National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Ambeth Ocampo visited the library and shared his experience via his Facebook page after he went to the library as its “first reader” when it reopened.

Ocampo recounted that after he placed a request for a book, it was delivered within five minutes. He also noted the library’s “cold air-con” and “pleasant staff” and that books are sanitized after use.

For more information and updates, visit the National Library of the Philippines’ Facebook page.

San Agustin Museum set to reopen tomorrow, Feb. 24

The San Agustin Museum and Cultural Centre in Intramuros is ready to welcome visitors again starting tomorrow, Feb. 24.

For its opening day schedule, the museum is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For its regular operating schedule, it will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance fees are P200 for adults and P160 for students, PWD, seniors and frontliners.

Minimum safety protocols will also be observed once the museum opens.

According to its guidelines, only visitors ages 15 to 65 will be allowed in the museum. A maximum number of 100 persons at a time will be observed.

Face masks and face shields are mandatory to be worn at all times within the premises of the San Agustin Monastery Complex, while physical distancing will also be enforced

The museum will also implement a no-touch rule to all museum artifacts and exhibits.