President Corazon C. Aquino, in Proclamation No. 837 declared the month of November 1991 and every year thereafter as “Library and Information Services Month’’ with the aim of focusing public awareness on the invaluable service that libraries and information centers render. Taking the lead in the annual celebration is the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), with the National Committee on Libraries and Information Services (NCLIS) and the National Library.

Preparatory activities leading to this month’s celebration started as early as July when the search for Outstanding City Libraries was launched. These libraries will be feted in the opening program of Library and Information Services Month today, November 4, 2009. The Davao City Library and Information System was deemed the most outstanding among the City Libraries in the country.

An additional highlight of the month is the holding of the National Seminar for Public Librarians. With the theme, “Public Libraries Connect and Build Communities,’’ the event will be capped by the book allocation for public libraries affiliated with the Natonal Library.

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI), will hold the Final Phase Seminar on Internet Manifesto in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. The seminar, co-organized with the International Federation of Library Associations, Free Access to Information and Freedom to Expression (IFLA-FAIFE), aims to assess the extent of Internet connectivity and usage in libraries in the country.

At the end of the month, the 75th jubilee of National Book Week will be celebrated With the theme “Kaaya-ayang Magbasa sa Kapaligirang Kay Ganda,’’ several activities are slated, including story telling, poster making, and essay writing contests, and a book donation drive for libraries affected by the recent typhoons. PLAI will be holding its National Convention with special focus on the promotion of environmental sustainability through libraries and information system.

With knowledge effectively disseminated by libraries through the use of modern information systems, the observance of Library and Information Month continues to be relevant as the country pursues the goal of bridging the information and knowledge gap.