SM Cares Celebrates 40 Years with 70,000-Book Donation Drive Nationwide

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In celebration of its 40th anniversary, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, concluded the Book Nook Book Donation Drive with an inspiring display of nationwide generosity. The initiative collected over 70,000 pre-loved books from 88 SM malls across the Philippines, uniting Filipinos in a shared mission to spark the love of reading and support lifelong learning.

A Spark That Grew into a Movement

“When SM celebrated its 40th anniversary, the focus was not grandeur but purpose,” said Mr. Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Director of the National Library of the Philippines. “From that spark grew a full-fledged Book Nook Book Donation Drive, inspired by the belief that stories are gifts meant to be shared.”

From July 7 to October 15, 2025, mallgoers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao donated children’s storybooks, educational materials, novels, and reference titles. These contributions were distributed to public libraries and community reading spaces nationwide.

The initiative enriched 88 libraries and reading centers, including 74 in Luzon, 7 in the Visayas, and 7 in Mindanao. This collective effort is expected to benefit over 219,000 students, families, and educators, helping transform libraries into vibrant learning hubs where stories come alive.

A Celebration of Literacy and Community

The ceremonial turnover was held on November 27, 2025, at the National Library of the Philippines, marking the official handover of the donated books to partner communities. The event highlighted how the Book Nook program continues to strengthen literacy through accessible reading spaces in SM malls nationwide.

“Through the Book Nook, we hope to nurture curiosity and creativity in every Filipino,” shared Ms. Shereen T. Sy, Pioneer of the Book Nook program under SM Cares. “This initiative shows how collective action can create lasting impact one book, one reader, and one community at a time.”

Honoring Literacy Champions

As part of the celebration, Book Nook honored public librarians who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting literacy.

The Heart of the Library Award for Most Outstanding Librarian was awarded to Ms. Michael “Aiko” Nagas of the City Library of San Fernando, La Union.
The Literacy Partner Award recognized librarians including Ms. Rosena Roman (City of Imus Public Library), Ms. Easter Wahayna-Pablo (Baguio City Public Library), Ms. Mylene Villanueva (Manila City Library), and Mr. Michael Pinto (Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center).

These individuals were honored for their work in making books accessible, cultivating the joy of reading, and empowering their communities through knowledge.

A Continuing Commitment

This milestone goes beyond celebration. It reflects SM Cares’ ongoing commitment to nurture future generations through literacy and community-building. Through programs like Book Nook, SM aims to inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection among Filipino families.

To learn more about the Book Nook program, visit the official link provided or follow @OfficialSMCares and @SMBookNook.