ILOILO — SM City Iloilo has launched The Great Book Share 2026, a nationwide book donation drive under SM Cares that invites Ilonggos to give their pre-loved books a second life. The initiative aims to fill public library shelves and bring stories, knowledge, and imagination to communities across the country.
A Simple Way to Share a Future
The campaign operates on a straightforward premise: every finished book carries potential that should not sit dormant on a personal shelf. By donating stories and educational materials, readers pass along knowledge and hope to individuals who might otherwise lack access to rich literary resources.
Donation booths are set up at the Upper Ground Floor of SM City Iloilo, near Red Ribbon. Mallgoers can easily drop off books during their regular shopping routines. The process takes only minutes but creates a lasting impact on public libraries nationwide.
What Books Are Accepted
Organizers encourage donors to share books that are in gently used, clean, and readable condition. Accepted materials include children's storybooks, educational workbooks, classic novels, non-fiction references, young adult literature, and general interest reading materials.
Maintaining high standards of physical quality ensures that young readers receive items that convey respect and care. This approach reinforces the idea that reading is a cherished privilege worth protecting for future generations.
A Community United by Generosity
The response from Iloilo residents highlights the deep-seated spirit of bayanihan that defines the region. Students have donated favorite childhood series, while parents use the opportunity to teach their children the values of sharing.
Early donors have shared their contributions on social media, encouraging friends and family to join. This collective participation transforms a standard mall visit into an act of civic empowerment, demonstrating how small individual actions aggregate into massive national impact.
Building a Culture of Reading
The Great Book Share 2026 aligns with SM Cares' broader mission to promote literacy, social inclusivity, and sustainable community development. Access to books directly correlates with improved literacy rates, critical thinking skills, and academic success among youth.
In underserved areas, a single compelling book can alter a student's trajectory, encouraging them to pursue higher education or explore creative fields. By fostering a culture of reading, SM Supermalls cements its role as an active partner in community building.
Championing Circular Literacy
The drive also champions environmental sustainability through circular literacy. Rather than letting printed materials accumulate dust or end up as waste, regifting pre-loved books keeps valuable paper resources in active circulation.
This thoughtful form of recycling nourishes the mind while respecting the environment. It seamlessly ties into the sustainability programs advocated by SM Supermalls across its branches nationwide, proving that literacy and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.
