It seemed like only yesterday when a small watering hole entertainment bar started its business at Adriatico St., Malate Manila. The small watering hole had a unique name – The Library.

But nobody could tell that the small Library would become a byword of many and would become a favorite place of people who love true and honest live entertainment.

And as years passed by, The Library became the stepping stone to fame of my stand-up comedians like, in random order, Allan K., Leonard Obal, Ai Ai de Las Alas, Arnel Ignacio, Phillip Lazaro, Pooh, Vice Ganda, Anton Diva, Rey Kilay and Wally Bayola.

The Library even became a bigger name when a number of stand-up comedians started to be famous in the entertainment world. Instrumental to this factor was the guidance and assistance given by Andrew “Mamu” De Real, the owner of The Library, who was also the person behind the big and exciting shows being staged at the said small venue that attracted local folks, balikbayans and foreigners as well.

And if even The Library had to bid its former home goodbye to give way to a condo and move to its new home at Orosa St. corner Nakpil St. in Malate, its popularity as a watering hole and breeding ground of talented stand-up comedians even reached greater heights. The bigger Library could accommodate more people, thus meaning double the fun for its regular clientele.

The shows being staged also became bigger and grandiose, with new talents like Raging Divas, Lola Divas and Drag-Ons providing fun-filled entertainment. There are more and new stand-up comedians like Kim Dinosaur, Rufa Mi and Quizon Brothers (Rowell and John) are also getting to be noticed in the entertainment world.

These and a thousand more reasons make it imperative for The Library to throw a party as it marks its 24th anniversary with a week-long celebration starting on June 24, with a stellar line-up stars to headline its shows for the anniversary week. The shows feature the regular house talents of The Library together with celebrities like the EB Babes, Ruby Rodriguez, Sex Bomb Dancers, Beverly Salviejo, Phillip Lazaro, Joaquin Garcia, John “Sweet” Lapus and lot more.

And as a token of gratitude to its loyal patrons and friends of The Library, a raffle draw will happen every night from June 17 to 21.

On its anniversary night on June 21, the annual Golden Book Awards will be held. This is the recognition night for the talented stand-up comedians and performers who take the challenge of The Library stage. This is much-awaited event as the staff of The Library and the in-house talents join the merrymaking by participating in grand production numbers. Think of “SOP,” “ASAP,” Academy Awards and the Grammy’s rolled into one fabulous night.

Because of the big contribution of The Library to the entertainment business, this was what ABS-CBN award-winning celebrity talk show host Boy Abunda said, “Malate, will never be the same without The Library.”

For those who would want to watch and be part of the fun of the anniversary celebration of “The Library,” visit their website at www.thelibrary.com.ph.