Tales of the Unknown

BY: KATHRYN VASQUEZ

For every word, for every sentence, for every page, for every book, one ' s mind is hooked; swayed by the fantasies it brings, fulfilled by the knowledge it gives, satisfied by the information it offers Unfortunately, not all of us can appreciate the magnificent relief that books bring

According to the National Literacy Trust, who released a study detailing findings from its annual literacy survey, 6 out of 10 children said that they enjoy reading quite a lot

Scanning books and browsing the web is indeed beneficial for all of us, adults, teenagers, and kids alike Furthermore, it offers people ideas and gives them the opportunity to acquire more knowledge about a certain subject or research topic It gives them intellectual capabilities that they will share to people, and will eventually help the people who are not proficient in reading and writing, to improve the world's literacy One’s pen, one ’ s paper, one ’ s book, can help one ’ s dream to be fulfilled

To pursue this aspiration, the newly renovated Manila High School Library is now open for everyone It is primarily maintained by the school librarian, Mrs. Joy J. Aluarte, who is also an ESP teacher She is assisted by the Book Lovers Club President, Jessabelle Mosquito from 10Amity The library is accessible for school administrators, teachers, students, and visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM It comes with a WIFI connection for the readers to access learning resources online like E-books that will help nurture their knowledge, and enrich their research skills Students are also welcome to do their assignments in the library when they have free time In addition to the features enumerated, the library has space for offline gaming: students' nook, a recreational area where board games such as chess and snake & ladders are kept It aims to enhance one ' s strategy and tactics

Furthermore, the athenaeum is also open for creativity in arts and music It has an activity called "Art Attack", where students, teachers, and staff can express their feelings through lines, shapes, and figures through art Friday is the last day of an exhausting week, want to wind up a little bit?

The MHS Library got your back! On Fridays, piano lessons are available and it is particularly handled by Patricia Ann Carpio who is an SSG Officer, willing to share her talent in playing musical instruments A teacher's lounge is also located within the library where teachers can conduct meetings, LAC sessions, and training In order to experience all the features democratically, stakeholders especially students have to remember the following rules as they visit the learning center: (1) all students entering the library must be in proper decorum and should wear their school uniform while inside the library; (2) silence and cleanliness must be observed at all times; (3) magazines and newspapers are to be read-only inside the library; (4) push back the chairs quietly under the table before leaving; (5) use of cellphones, calling or accepting calls and playing games inside the library is strictly prohibited It must be turned off or set in silent mode so as not to disturb other library users; (6) library users should observe courtesy at all times, any act of discourtesy towards librarians will be duly noted for appropriate action; (7) mutilating, defacing, tearing and vandalizing of books and other materials and property of the library is strictly prohibited and is punishable Anyone guilty of such an act will be subjected to disciplinary action; (8) Lastly, all materials, resources, facilities, and utilities of the library should be used with proper care

Not only does the library help us to acquire new knowledge, but it also trains us to practice good manners through the said rules

This improved library of MHS is one of the many things that leads us to the unknown stories we are seeking Who knows? Maybe one of the books in the said library contains the answers to the mysteries that you are trying to solve Read, read, and read, then understand With that, you are not only learning, but you are also improving yourself as a person, simultaneously, you are solving the "unknown tales" that you are seeking, and most importantly, you are adding up to people who can spark improvement in their own land You could be one of the people who can help those who are having a hard time in reading and writing You'll never know, you just have to try