PH history books are the newest additions to the Airdrie Public Library

Airdrie Public Library adds PH history books to their cultural learning program | Photos from Airdrie Public Library/Facebook

Libraries and learning resource centers around the world are now doing their part to preserve Philippine history. They’re among the various creative and informative media outlets who’ve combated prevalent historical revisionism beyond classrooms and online spaces.

One of these scholastic learning hubs is the Airdrie Public Library in Alberta, Canada. On Jan. 19, they expanded their scope of educational materials, taking the liberty of housing a new collection of donated textbooks on Philippine history, culture, and the life of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. 

The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary sourced all the books from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to supplement the public library’s cultural diplomacy program. Members of the PCG and Knights of Rizal in Airdrie celebrated their new chapter in a recently shared partnership commemoration.

The Airdrie Public Library’s initial roster of historical texts offers a variety of Pinoy narratives in English and Filipino. Among the newly added historical and cultural books are “Ang Panitikan sa Panitikang-Bayan” and pandemic-themed poetry anthology “Kuwarentena” by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma. 

Though the books are currently few in number, the library and its collaborators have emphasized the stories’ significance in sharing Philippine history with the world as both an educational subject and contribution to culture. 

“We think this is significant because this is another project that will create public awareness about Dr. Jose Rizal and the Philippines,” Consul General Zaldy Patron shares with DiscoverAirdrie. The PCG’s enthusiastic response towards the project allows Filipinos in Airdrie to get involved, leading to a more extensive selection of history books in the future.

It’s even more meaningful that Philippine history is taught and upheld in a city like Alberta, where the second largest community of Filipinos in Canada resides. Thanks to the PCG’s donations, over 200,000 Filipinos can now honor and remember their roots through critical analyses of heroism, resilience, and creative expression in their local library. 

Airdrie Public Library director Deb Cryderman is particularly grateful to lend a helping hand in making Philippine history more accessible to the public. “We get to share the culture of Filipinos living in Airdrie and have the opportunity for them and everyone to learn a little bit more.”

Airdrie’s Knights of Rizal also donated funds for the library’s Jose Rizal Room. The multi-purpose facility in the works is dedicated to showcasing the Philippine hero’s writing throughout the Spanish colonial era. The learning space will also accompany Airdrie’s monument of Rizal at the Nose Creek Regional Park.