Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has donated approximately 100 academic journals to the Book Nook at SM North EDSA. The donation, announced on March 19, 2026, aims to make scholarly knowledge more accessible to the public, covering topics from precolonial Philippine history to modern technology.
Ateneo Makes Research Publicly Accessible
The donation includes a curated collection of Ateneo’s academic journals, reinforcing the university’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and the general public. The journals are now available for free public access at the Book Nook, located within SM North EDSA in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
The initiative was highlighted in a press release from the Research Communications Section of the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Research, Creative Work, and Innovation at Ateneo de Manila University. The release emphasized the university's ongoing efforts to broaden the reach of its academic research.
Details of the Journal Donation
The donated journals encompass a wide range of disciplines and research areas, including Philippine history, culture, society, and interdisciplinary studies. The collection features peer-reviewed texts from several of Ateneo’s signature publications.
Specifically, the journals include:
- Perspective in the Arts and Humanities
- Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture
- Social Transformations: Journal of the Global South
- Journal of Management for Global Sustainability
- Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints
The donated copies include the latest issues, spanning from 2019 to 2025, providing readers with current and relevant research findings. The journals were officially turned over to the Book Nook team in a ceremony attended by representatives from Ateneo de Manila University, SM North EDSA, and Book Nook.
Impact on the Community
By placing these journals in a public, community-oriented space like the Book Nook, Ateneo de Manila University hopes to create new avenues for learners, readers, and curious individuals to engage with academic works outside the confines of classrooms and traditional libraries. This move intends to foster a more inclusive and accessible learning environment.
The Book Nook is designed as an open, free-to-use library that encourages visitors to read, share, and donate books. The addition of Ateneo’s peer-reviewed academic resources to the Book Nook enriches the space by introducing scholarly materials in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This initiative is particularly significant for students and researchers in Metro Manila who may not have direct access to university libraries.
The Book Nook Initiative
Book Nook is a community reading initiative pioneered by Shereen Sy, a Singapore-based architect. It reimagines everyday spaces as accessible hubs for learning and knowledge exchange. As of 2026, there are three Book Nook locations in Metro Manila: SM Podium, SM Aura Premier, and SM North EDSA.
The team behind Book Nook welcomed the donation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting literacy and community engagement. According to Book Nook representatives, the partnership with Ateneo de Manila University will significantly contribute to their mission of making learning resources available to a broader audience.
Ateneo's Commitment to Public Scholarship
Through this initiative, Ateneo de Manila University continues to extend the reach of its academic works, reaffirming the role of scholarship in public life and community development. The university hopes to inspire a culture of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity among Filipinos by providing access to its research findings.
This aligns with Ateneo de Manila University’s broader mission of contributing to nation-building through research and education. The university actively seeks opportunities to disseminate knowledge and engage with the wider community, particularly in areas where access to academic resources is limited.
University and Mall Leaders Back Knowledge-Sharing Push
In the press release, Ateneo de Manila University highlighted its dedication to public service and the importance of sharing knowledge for the betterment of society. The university encourages the public to visit the Book Nook at SM North EDSA to explore the donated journals and other resources.
SM North EDSA's Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations, Ms. Jocelyn Ann C. Lapid-Clariño, expressed her support for the partnership, stating that it aligns with SM Supermalls' commitment to providing spaces for learning and community engagement. She also acknowledged that this addition to the Book Nook in SM North EDSA will further enhance the mall's role as a community hub.
Next Steps and Future Collaborations
Ateneo de Manila University plans to continue exploring opportunities to make its research publicly accessible. This includes digitizing more of its academic publications and partnering with other community organizations to establish similar initiatives in different parts of the Philippines. Further collaborations with Book Nook are also being considered to expand the reach of academic resources to other SM Supermall locations.
The university also encourages researchers and scholars from other institutions to consider similar initiatives to promote public access to knowledge and contribute to the development of a more informed and engaged citizenry. The donation of journals to the SM Book Nook serves as a model for how academic institutions can actively contribute to community development and promote lifelong learning.
Photo credit: Photo: SM Book Nook