People’s Center and Library: The House of Books in Tacloban

People’s Center and Library is  a Greek building that houses the collection of books of Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines. It is said to be the oldest library in Tacloban and allegedly in the whole Eastern Visayas (Region VIII).

People's Center and Library

People’s Center and Library

I visited People’s Center and Library before going to its more popular neighbor – the Sto Nino Shrine and Heritage Muesum at around 1:30pm on July 17, 2013 during my first time in Leyte, the 21st province on my list.

The interior of People's Center and Library

The interior of People’s Center and Library

The collection of books are said to be bought by Imelda in the United States of America from a college library that closed down. Also housed in the library are historical documents recording the rich cultural heritage of the people of Leyte and Samar, a collection of dioramas of the 82 ethnic tribes of the Philippines, and a collection of books on the humanities. Like the Sto Nino Shrine and Heritage Muesum, People’s Center and Library is not well maintained.

People’s Center and Library has a total floor area of more than 1,300 square meters withe a social hall at the first floor and the reading room at the second floor.

How to go to the People’s Center and Library

From downtown, ride any jeepney that passes through Real Street and tell the driver to drop you off at the library.

People’s Center and Library

Address: Real Street, Tacloban City, Leyte
Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm

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