Community pantry in Quezon City offers free books too

As community pantries grew in many parts of the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a similar yet unique concept was recently created in Quezon City.

On April 18, The Happy Liblarry founder Lorna Zaragosa opened a community pantry and library in front of a carinderia in Brgy. Sangandaan, Project 8.

According to the mobile library owner, she enjoyed reading books when she suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety so she wanted to share her “source of joy” with those who were going through the same thing.

“I should share my source of joy to them which are books, which can help them turn their negative thinking into something knowledgeable and fruitful,” she told GMA News Online.

“Reading can help improve one’s emotional and mental health so I thought of adding books to the community pantry and turned it as a community library-pantry,” she added.

Lorna believed that “the best way to empower a person during this health crisis is not only by filling his stomach but by also feeding his mind.”

The Happy Liblarry offers different kinds of books, such as almanacs, novels, children’s books, non-fiction, and comic books.

Some of the books displayed were once Lorna’s personal favorites, while others were donated by her friends.

According to one of the library’s signages, people can take home or return the books after reading so others can also borrow them.

Lorna said they did not accept book donations at the moment because they did not have the space yet for storage.

Those who are interested to donate cash or essentials may send a message to The Happy Liblarry’s Facebook page. 

The Project 8 pantry-library is just one of the community efforts set up across the country to help those in need during the pandemic.

In Cavite and Malabon, BTS- and EXO-inspired community pantries were set up by fans who wished to help their neighbors and at the same time show their love for their idols.

A special community “paw-ntry” for pets is also available in Quezon City. – RC, GMA News