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Filipiniana books and reading materials - especially those printed and published decades ago - are extremely hard to find.

And if you stumble upon one, it's usually expensive (as any collector would know) or in poor condition.

Good thing we have a few libraries where we can find and read these books freely and openly.

One example is the Ortigas Foundation Library which is home to a vast collection of Philippine books, documents, images, and written materials related to Philippine history and events.

Now, the library located in Ortigas Building in Pasig City has announced its move to Greenhills Mall in San Juan.

“This week will begin the task of packing and transferring the Ortigas Library's enormous collection of 24,000 volumes of Filipiniana books, maps, prints, photographs most primarily from the collection of Mr. Raffa Ortigas and with additions from the collection of Mr. Francisco Ortigas Jr., and Mrs. Maritoni Ortigas,” wrote John Silva, the library's executive director.

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“When I started at the Library close to a decade ago, I enjoyed sneaking from my desk to the library innards and there pull out books, enthralled by the printing craft several hundred years ago, at a time when animal skin was used as covers and pages were made from mulberry taught to us by Chinese with vivacious illustrations laboriously etched by our early Filipino printers.”

He added, “With managing the library, there was less time for sneaking away and enjoying this incredible collection unless I'd come across a delightful book or drawing being worked on by our conservators.

“Now, as we pack, the rare books are coming out of shelves and before they are bubble wrapped and gently placed in boxes, I see them again, sheath in plastic, marvelous and pristine as ever. The hours pass as I gaze delightfully at these library treasures.

“Mr. Raffa Ortigas collected most everything that was Filipiniana in subject because he wanted researchers to go through what had been written and published in the past, and then, reinterpret and offer insights to our history for the present times. Many published books and media offerings today have benefited from the Ortigas Library holdings.

“We still accept inquiries and purchases of our souvenirs but our books for research will again be available to the public by May of this year. We are moving to Greenhills, in the Northwest section of the shopping center. We'll keep you informed of our opening.”

Opened on November 7, 1996, the library aims to promote the study of Philippine history, culture, and arts through its wide collection of reading and visual materials, with some dating back to the 17th century.