Barely five years after the tumultuous and ravaging period of the Second World War, the founding and establishment of the San Nicolas Municipal Library came to fore.
Highly aware and sensitive to the townspeople's need for information and knowledge about the newest thoughts and ideas, on current issues and social concerns prevailing during those early period of rehabilitation and reconstruction, civic-minded citizens constituting the San Nicolas Town Fiesta Executive Committee in 1949 conceived a noble aim in response to such patriotic necessity. Pushing towards the realization of such end, the executive committee engineered a proposal and initiative plan to allocate the festivity's financial proceeds to the creation and founding of a Municipal Library --- a project envisioned to last a lifetime benefit for the town and for its people. It did not take much time to make that noble aim a concrete reality. Just a year passed, on the second year of Don Cristobal D. Rodrigo's term as Municipal Mayor of the town, the initial steps towards the establishment of the municipal library strode out successfully from the august chamber of the town's Municipal Council. On February 22, 1950, the Municipal Council enacted the resolution formally creating and establishing the San Nicolas Municipal Library. In the next month of March 1950, the resolution was elevated to the office of the National Director of Public Libraries in Manila for a concurring procedural approval. |
The Founding Father
of San Nicolas Municipal Library It was during the administration
of Don Cristobal D. Rodrigo as Municipal Mayor that the realization of a Public Library for the town of San Nicolas came to materialized On February 22, 1950, a resolution was enacted by the town's Municipal Council, giving impetus to the formal organization and establishment of The San Nicolas Municipal Library. The conception of the Library's existence came from a noble purpose as envisioned by the town's 1949 Fiesta Executive Committee. A purpose so noble a seed that it has grown to an equally good offspring that had bear abundant fruits of great gains and goodwill. |
The procedure was a necessary routine administrative formality to finalizing the library's existence as an organized entity under the municipal government of San Nicolas.
The concurring approval from the office of the National Director of Public Libraries came after the Municipal Council made certain to provide appropriation of budget for the effective operation and management of the Library. It was to include among others the allocation for the salary and compensation of the Library Custodian; subscription expenses for newspapers and other periodicals; as well as for the purchase and maintenance of essential equipment and other routine office stationery and supplies.
With the fresh approval handed down from the office of the National Director for Public Libraries and the required budget allocations from the town's local government put accordingly in place, San Nicolas Municipal Library was inducted into the roster of Philippine Public Libraries which during those days were still significantly numbered.
The concurring approval from the office of the National Director of Public Libraries came after the Municipal Council made certain to provide appropriation of budget for the effective operation and management of the Library. It was to include among others the allocation for the salary and compensation of the Library Custodian; subscription expenses for newspapers and other periodicals; as well as for the purchase and maintenance of essential equipment and other routine office stationery and supplies.
With the fresh approval handed down from the office of the National Director for Public Libraries and the required budget allocations from the town's local government put accordingly in place, San Nicolas Municipal Library was inducted into the roster of Philippine Public Libraries which during those days were still significantly numbered.
The San Nicolas Municipal Library breathed its nascent days in a small room at the second floor of the town's old municipio better known to the townspeople then as Presidencia.
Mr. Juanito Miranda, a Clerk of Court at the San Nicolas Justice of the Peace Court, was appointed in a temporary status as its first Librarian.
Although still modest and simple a place as it was just starting-up then, the Library became a comfort zone to many citizens of the town as they found both enjoyment and solitude in just one place together.
They indulge themselves in the luxury of peace and the serene sound of silence present within the four-cornered bounds and confines of the Library. Silence and peace they have dearly missed in their five long years of ordeal under the blaring sounds of gunfires and bombs during the war.
Hence, in those period of the early 50's, where the transistorized radio and paper-printed materials were the main medium and channels of mass information and entertainment, the Library became the hub and haven to a significant many in the town.
The newspapers, books, and magazines became a daily buddies with the hands and eyes of many reading enthusiasts who frequented the book racks, combed the newspaper hangers and warmthed every inch and surface of the tables and chairs of the Library.
The materials and acquisitions of the Library had opened-up windows and doors to the bibliophilic citizens of the town. Through those media, the people came to know about the latest occurences and events, both local and overseas. They were updated with the newest technological innovations and discoveries of science, and were able to keep at pace with the newest information of practically everything about people, places, ideas, and things in the world.
The birth and opening of San Nicolas Municipal Library thus became both gladness and pride to the Municipal government and to the townspeople of San Nicolas --- not only because they had finally have a public library to call their own, but most especially because of the fact that the library had epitomized peace and serenity for them.
They considered it as a concrete monument for the victory and triumph of peace and order over the evils of chaos and war.
Unfortunately, the positively encouraging start and the good things with the library were suddenly cut short after a-not-so-good news came down from the Bureau of Public Libraries issuing an order for the library's closure.
The bureau, citing among other basis of the closure order pointed to the failure of the Library Management to comply with certain requirements as the main reason for the unfortunate order.
Mr. Juanito Miranda, a Clerk of Court at the San Nicolas Justice of the Peace Court, was appointed in a temporary status as its first Librarian.
Although still modest and simple a place as it was just starting-up then, the Library became a comfort zone to many citizens of the town as they found both enjoyment and solitude in just one place together.
They indulge themselves in the luxury of peace and the serene sound of silence present within the four-cornered bounds and confines of the Library. Silence and peace they have dearly missed in their five long years of ordeal under the blaring sounds of gunfires and bombs during the war.
Hence, in those period of the early 50's, where the transistorized radio and paper-printed materials were the main medium and channels of mass information and entertainment, the Library became the hub and haven to a significant many in the town.
The newspapers, books, and magazines became a daily buddies with the hands and eyes of many reading enthusiasts who frequented the book racks, combed the newspaper hangers and warmthed every inch and surface of the tables and chairs of the Library.
The materials and acquisitions of the Library had opened-up windows and doors to the bibliophilic citizens of the town. Through those media, the people came to know about the latest occurences and events, both local and overseas. They were updated with the newest technological innovations and discoveries of science, and were able to keep at pace with the newest information of practically everything about people, places, ideas, and things in the world.
The birth and opening of San Nicolas Municipal Library thus became both gladness and pride to the Municipal government and to the townspeople of San Nicolas --- not only because they had finally have a public library to call their own, but most especially because of the fact that the library had epitomized peace and serenity for them.
They considered it as a concrete monument for the victory and triumph of peace and order over the evils of chaos and war.
Unfortunately, the positively encouraging start and the good things with the library were suddenly cut short after a-not-so-good news came down from the Bureau of Public Libraries issuing an order for the library's closure.
The bureau, citing among other basis of the closure order pointed to the failure of the Library Management to comply with certain requirements as the main reason for the unfortunate order.
It was not until 1952 when the administration of Don Buenventura T. Rillorta assumed office that a request for its reopening was made
And when the library finally reopened, a renewed hope and spirit among the reading public and to the municipal officials was reinvigorated. Mr. Venancio Vallejos on the other hand was appointed on March 8, 1953 to hold the position of the Library Custodian. After his appointment, Mr. Vallejos had undergone an extensive training on Library Management and Operation at the Pangasinan Provincial Library under Mr. Bayardo Estrada, the Provincial Librarian during that time. But for some unknown reasons known only to the gentleman, he was seen resigning from the post no long after on November 15, 1954. Hence, on February 1, 1955, Mayor Rillorta and then MunicipaL Treasurer, Mr. Donato O. Ancheta appointed Mr. Macario Seriosa, from Barrio San Felipe, in a temporary status to replaced Mr. Vallejos. Yet, like his predecessors who came but stayed only for a short period, he as well did not stayed long with the library. |
Mr. Venancio Vallejos
Library Custodian (1953-1954) Mr. Vallejos became the Library Custodian when the San Nicolas Municipal Library reopens in 1953 after the Bureau of Public Libraries ordered it closed two years after it opened in 1950.
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A Nurturing Steward and Leader
Most notable of the library's improvements
occured during the stewardship of Don Pacifico Ylarde as town executive from 1960 to 1963. |
The appointment that halted such seemingly becoming bad streak in the librarian's post was a woman by the name of Minda Peralta. For the very first time since the Municipal Library's inception, Ms. Peralta stayed, and stayed she did for the longest time.
For 19 years , from 1955 up to 1974, she selflessly dedicated herself in the exemplary management and remarkable administration of the library. Her permanent stay at the helm of the Library had brought a stable management that ushered-in a gradual but steady growth and development to San Nicolas Municipal Library. Most notable of such improvements occured during the stewardship of Don Pacifico M. Ylarde (1960-1963) as town executive. Mrs. Aida Zamudio was the Municipal Librarian from the year 1974 to 1976. |
By the passing of time, the Municipal Library had grown to an efficient and functional library that never failed to make its presence felt by the townspeople and the community.
The significant role it played in keeping its loyal patrons abreast with the latest information and ideas had earned for itself the regard and significant support of many well-to-do and civic-minded citizens of the town which contributed much to the incessant progress and successes it receives through the years. With the continual flow of support, coupled with the full cooperation of the Municipal Officials and the concerned citizens of the town, the library's equipments and facilities were improved, its internal environment was enhanced, and more books and materials were acquired and added to its ever growing collection. Such parade of accomplishments brought the Library to its glorious period during the administration of Mrs. Rebecca M. Maxion as Municipal Librarian. The year-span from 1976 to 1995 was considered as the "Golden Era" of San Nicolas Municipal Library. |
Mrs. Rebecca M. Maxion
SNML Golden Era Librarian (1976-1995) The period from 1976 through the year 1995 is considered as the "Golden Era" of San Nicolas Municipal Library.
The significant support received by SNML from the Municipal Officials and the continual flow of kindness and generousity from concerned citizens, especially those residing overseas, had brought enormous development to the library. Such supports had strengthened the library's capabilities through an enhanced facility and highly improved collection and acquisition. |
Yet, just when things were in the right place and all was going well, fate stroke with its mischief and turned the library's life upside down. On October 25, 1995, the Municipal Hall was gutted by fire and inflicted irreparable damages to the library's interior.
Although not directly hit by the conflagration, the Library's book collections, materials, supplies and equipments were all drenched and soaked in falling water from the fire hoses that were use to put-off the flame.
The tragic disaster's effect to the Library was so devastating that the luster and glory it once possess completely went and gone with the smoked-wind in just an eye-wink.
When the fire was declared contained and controlled-out, what was left was just a heavily ruined room with contents so damaged that only a bote-diyaryo-garapa recycling entrepreneur could appreciate the worth.
As if the misfortune was not yet enough, the woman who sits with dedication and concern as Municipal Librarian for almost two decades, Mrs. Rebecca M. Maxion, had to leave the library and her position ill-timed due to her reaching the compulsory age of retirement.
Her position of Librarian II was left vacant until the reopening of a new library, two years later. And with nothing left for the library users --- sans the library and the librarian around --- it had to be closed for operation.
From 1995 to 1997, there was literally no library operational in the town.
Although not directly hit by the conflagration, the Library's book collections, materials, supplies and equipments were all drenched and soaked in falling water from the fire hoses that were use to put-off the flame.
The tragic disaster's effect to the Library was so devastating that the luster and glory it once possess completely went and gone with the smoked-wind in just an eye-wink.
When the fire was declared contained and controlled-out, what was left was just a heavily ruined room with contents so damaged that only a bote-diyaryo-garapa recycling entrepreneur could appreciate the worth.
As if the misfortune was not yet enough, the woman who sits with dedication and concern as Municipal Librarian for almost two decades, Mrs. Rebecca M. Maxion, had to leave the library and her position ill-timed due to her reaching the compulsory age of retirement.
Her position of Librarian II was left vacant until the reopening of a new library, two years later. And with nothing left for the library users --- sans the library and the librarian around --- it had to be closed for operation.
From 1995 to 1997, there was literally no library operational in the town.
Mr. Juanito Miranda
Temporary Librarian 1950 Mr. Venancio Vallejos Library Custodian 1953-1954 Mr. Macario Seriosa Temporary Library Custodian 1955 Miss Minda Peralta Municipal Librarian 1955-1974 |
Mrs. Aida Zamudio
Municipal Librarian 1974-1976 Mrs. Rebecca M. Maxion Municipal Librarian 1976-1995 Miss Melody C. Francia Municipal Librarian(Temporary) 1998-1999 Mr. Darwin B. Soria Licensed Professional Librarian PRC Licensed No. 0004073 Municipal Librarian (Permanent) 2004-present Municipal Librarian(Temporary) 2000-2004 |
Ms. Melody C. Francia
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The townspeople’s longing for a new and reconstructed public library never waned even for a bit. The people and the local officials were always expectant for its return.
And, like a dead phoenix that resurrected back to life from its own ashes, the Municipal Library nobly conceived in 1949 slowly but surefooted rose back to life. This was made possible by the construction of the new Municipal Building during the administration of Municipal Mayor Conrado B. Rodrigo, Jr. When the new town building was inaugurated on October 12, 1997, one of its rooms was purposely assigned to house the new library. Yet, due to non-availability of qualified manpower to seat in the position of a librarian, it still had to wait for another year before it went fully operational. Finally, on July 6, 1998, concurrent with the appointment of Ms. Melody C. Francia as librarian, the Library formally debuted another beginning and opened anew its doors to its faithful clienteles and patrons. However, on September 20, 1999, barely a year after her appointment, Ms. Francia had to resign her post and leave the library in favor of a teaching position in one of the town’s public high school. In lieu of the position she vacated the Municipal HRD Selection Board conducted series of screenings from numerous applicants interested in the position. |
On January 17, 2000, after an extensive and intensive screening of applicants to the position vacated by Ms. Francia, the Municipal HRD Selection Board handed down their choice and formally endorsed the appointment of Mr. Darwin B. Soria, a municipal clerk working at that time in the Office of the Municipal Mayor.
The appointment was penned by then Acting Municipal Mayor Delilah DS. Caser. It was later confirmed and pinned with finality by Mayor Conrado B. Rodrigo, Jr. on February 2000, which incidentally was the 50th-year of the Municipal Resolution enacted on February 1950, which provided for the establishment of the San Nicolas Municipal Library.
The appointment was penned by then Acting Municipal Mayor Delilah DS. Caser. It was later confirmed and pinned with finality by Mayor Conrado B. Rodrigo, Jr. on February 2000, which incidentally was the 50th-year of the Municipal Resolution enacted on February 1950, which provided for the establishment of the San Nicolas Municipal Library.
Mr. Soria, though a licensed teacher and a professional civil service eligible, was however not a licensed librarian.
As such, his appointment to the position was made just in a temporary status which consequently required him to go annual renewal of his appointment. To settle such deficiency once and for all, he enrolled himself in BSEd. Major in Library Science at the University of Luzon (formerly Luzon Colleges) in Dagupan City. After completing a total of thirty six (36) units in three years, he took and passed the Licensure Examination for Librarians on November 18-19, 2003, which was conducted at the Professional Regulations Commision in Manila. His being able to pass the Licensure Exam automatically gave him the nod to a permanent position of the Municipal Librarian on January 2004. The appointment came under the administration of Mayor Christopher Jones M. Rodrigo and Vice Mayor Luis E. Ditol. The success he made in passing the exam given him the distinction of being the very first Licensed Professional Librarian to hold the position of Municipal Librarian. Likewise, the License made him the very first licensed professional librarian to man and manage the Library. |
Mr. Darwin B. Soria
is the very first Licensed Librarian to hold the post of the Municipal Librarian. Consequently, the library was for the very first time manned and manage by a Licensed Professional Librarian |
San Nicolas Municipal Library
Official Logo The Library's Logo reflects the Vision and Mission of the library in providing an avenue that would serve as a link between and among peoples, ideas, information, and knowledge.
Conceptualized by Mr. Darwin B. Soria, the present Municipal Librarian. |
Having the strong commitment and dedication in delivering the highest standard and quality of library services to all its users and clienteles, the San Nicolas Municipal Library continue to better its systems and material collections. A proof to its commendable services and accomplishments was a Recognition and Citation as one among the Ten Best Public Libraries in the whole province of Pangasinan in 2006. The award was given by the Pangasinan Public Librarians Association, Inc. (PPLAI) during its 30th Founding Anniversary celebration held on July 21, 2006. San Nicolas Municipal Library is indeed back to business --- and back it is more than the usual. It has successfully regained its former glory and even more lustrous and brilliantly shining now than ever. And, in the face of great and myriad challenges ahead ---- in the midst of an ever changing world --- San Nicolas Municipal Library marches on towards excellence and further heights as it continue endeavoring and pushing towards the fulfillment of its passionate mission and proactive vision. |
As sure as the sun rising in the east at dawn after a long dark night --- as certain as a river flows out to the sea --- San Nicolas Municipal Library continue its zealous task of finding ways to better itself for the benefit of its beloved clienteles and end-users.
It shall never get tired in seeking conducive avenues towards intellectual growth, enhanced skills and productive behavior changes with the goal of making a difference through knowledge and information sharing, towards a lasting commitment and service to the townspeople of San Nicolas.
It shall never get tired in seeking conducive avenues towards intellectual growth, enhanced skills and productive behavior changes with the goal of making a difference through knowledge and information sharing, towards a lasting commitment and service to the townspeople of San Nicolas.
By: Sherwin Bartolome Soria
2009
San Nicolas Municipal Library
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