Malls have become destinations for just about any thing these days and Book Nook — the brainchild of architect Sheeren Sy — adds one more reason to visit these establishments.
Book Nook, a beloved hub for book lovers and community members alike, started in December 2020 on the third level of SM Aura. Designed by acclaimed architect William Ti Jr. of WTA Architecture and Design Studio, and with a growing collection of over 3,000 books, it has fostered a thriving culture of reading and sharing. Architect Shereen Sy, the driving force behind the Book Nook.
Building on the success of its first location at SM Aura, Book Nook opened a new branch at The Podium, offering a cozy and welcoming environment for visitors to explore, donate, and exchange books.
"Initially, our main goal was to help build literacy but then slowly, we discovered that a lot of Filipino publishers and authors needed a place. So we have fantastic authors coming, some publishing, or even very well known ones for activities. It's really community driven. Without the community, this will not survive," Sy shared on the sidelines of the grand opening.
Book Nook draws inspiration from a simple yet impactful book-sharing initiative Sy encountered in Melbourne, Australia. Sy's vision was to create a similar space in the Philippines that not only promotes reading but also encourages communal unity — a hallmark of the Filipino value of "bayanihan." Book Nook, a beloved hub for book lovers and community members.
"When we travel, we are inspired by a lot of spaces overseas. So I thought, why can't we do it here? Nothing's stoping us from doing it here. It's just really taking the first step to do something new," Sy said.
The new Book Nook branch is a masterpiece by Filipino architect Royal Pineda of Royal Pineda + Architecture Design.
Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Performance artist and activist Mae Paner, also known as 'Juana Change,' listens to the stories of Book Note site area coordinators Alpha Cauan of Guinobatan, Albay; Bless Bacinillo of Carles, Iloilo and Analee Alingco of Sagay City, during The Book Nook Conference 2024, at the National Library in Manila, on Aug. 29, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Pineda, celebrated for his work on iconic projects such as the New Clark International Airport and the Philippines Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020, lends his visionary touch to the Book Nook. He has transformed the space into a community-centric hub that nurtures learning, sharing, and social interaction.
The Book Nook's design combines simplicity and functionality. It is a continuous flow of space that seamlessly blends form and function. From nothingness, Architect Pineda has crafted a venue for learning, a space where elements are interconnected and purposeful.
A standout feature of the new branch is the Philippine History corner, which includes numerous books donated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to promote historical knowledge.
Among the collection are copies of Dr. Jose Rizal's seminal work, "Noli Me Tangere." This dedicated area aims to deepen visitors' understanding of Filipino heritage and history. Book Nook’s new branch at The Podium offers a cozy and welcoming environment for visitors to explore, donate, and exchange books.
Overall, Sy said Book Nook is a special project that will continue to evolve.
"I can't quiet tell you how the Book Nook is defined, it's actually evolving as it grows. Like a book, it's place for discovering so I really welcome people to come here and have an open mind, to explore.
"It's beyond the bookshelves, Book Nook is about people coming together, sharing their stories and heritage and also supporting each other," Sy ended.
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