Turn the Page with Us
Building a Culture of Reading—One Public Bookcase at a Time
Background Story
When I think of my childhood in my home town of Cervantes (Philippines), I remember how books opened doors—to imagination, to ideas, to worlds beyond our quiet town. But books were scarce. Libraries relied on donations, and many students, then and now, simply can’t afford the reading materials they need.
That’s what inspired me to start a Public Bookcase—an idea I brought home from my neighborhood in Zurich. I reached out to two young passionate educators from my village, Teacher Conrad and Teacher Alex, and together we launched Project LIBRO:
Literacy Improvement by Building Reading Opportunities.
This grassroots initiative begins at Comillas North Integrated School (CNIS)—their school and my alma mater. Our mission is clear: to help students in Grades 7 to 12 rediscover the joy of reading, at a time when national literacy rates are critically low (PISA 2022, PSA 2024).
And it all starts with a bookcase.
Not just a shelf—but a space filled with possibilities.
Our first LIBRO bookcase, now under construction, features four sections: Filipiniana, English literature, general reading, and reference. Students can borrow and return books anytime. Every Friday, volunteer teachers will lead guided reading sessions to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence.
Where It All Began
Project LIBRO was seeded with proceeds from my memoir, Beyond the Heidi Tale.
There’s no better way to give back than by promoting the very thing that inspired me to dream—books.
The book case has just been completed as of July 2025. Polishing ongoing.
The list of reference books to be purchased has been finalized. Other titles, such as literary works in English or Filipino, will be donated.
Purchase of the reference books will proceed once road access to Baguio is restored.
The target opening and trial period for the book case is scheduled for September 2025.
Big thanks to Teacher Conrad who has been driving the implementation from working on the project documentation and approval, scouting the cabinet maker and will be procuring the books.
Where are we now?
How You Can Help
Buy a Book
Every copy of Beyond the Heidi Tale funds new books and reading spaces. Or purchase any of the books featured under the Blog section. The links there are amazon affiliate links and the site earns a small commission if you purchase via the link without any impact on the original purchase price.Sponsor a Bookcase
Help bring LIBRO to another school. Message us under contact link.Spread the Word
Every share, post, and mention helps us grow.Donate a Book
English or Filipino—especially literary works that spark curiosity and wonder.
Every student in the village deserves the chance to fall in love with reading.
With your help, we can make that happen.
Let’s turn the page together—
One reader, one book, one school at a time.
Project LIBRO Team
(Alex, Conrad, George)
Contact us.
george.londob@gmail.com