We all have that one book that we once thought we’d read, but instead collected dust in our shelves, under our beds, or on our tables. You know what I’m talking about; the book that remains “unread.” The book that you intended to read, but somehow ended up being pushed to the side because it’s simply lost its appeal or “things got in the way.” Well, it’s time to start digging for these books, because there’s one library that wants your unread book, and it goes by the name of The Library of Unread Books.
Spearheaded by artists Heman Chong and Renée Staal, The Library of Unread Books is a 10-year art project that began last year September in Singapore. Traveling from art space to another, the library has hit Manila. Running until August 26, 2017 in a small quaint room —handpicked by the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design Manila to “fit the art” rather than the other way around—on the fifth floor of the First United Building in Escolta from Tuesdays to Saturdays, the library is open for public.
To gain lifetime access to the library, all you have to do is donate an unread book. Hand over your book to a caretaker on site and your book will be added to the stacks of books in exchange for a personalized library card. Now only on its second stop, the library will move on to the Netherlands next.
The Library of Unread Books will run on until August 26, 2017 from 10am-6pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays at rooms 503 & 506. First United Bldg, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila.
Photos by MCAD