7 Libraries and Secondhand Bookstores in Manila for Bookworms on a Budget
By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
In a city that never sleeps, slipping into a quiet corner with a good book feels like finding magic.
Beyond Manila’s bustle lies a hidden haven for book lovers—a cityscape dotted with time-honored libraries and unassuming secondhand bookstores. From grand reading halls echoing with history to back-alley shops brimming with pre-loved paperbacks, the metro offers a literary escape for every kind of reader.
The charm? It’s budget-friendly and brimming with surprises. You might stumble upon a first-edition classic, a long-lost children’s favorite, or a college textbook in pristine condition—all at a fraction of their original price. The joy of the hunt is part of the experience, turning each visit into a miniature treasure quest.
Take the National Library of the Philippines, for example. Their ePortal is a treasure trove of local and foreign multidisciplinary e-journals, e-books, audiobooks, research papers, and more. With a utilization rate that skyrocketed to an impressive 106% in the first semester of 2024, up 301% from 2022, it’s clear that the demand for knowledge here is ever-growing.
And if you happen to live near these spots? Even better. When great reads are just a stroll away, city living becomes that much richer.
Let’s turn the page and explore Manila’s most charming book havens—no bookmark required.
7 Must-Visit Public Libraries and Secondhand Bookstores in Manila
Whether you’re seeking the quiet wisdom of a historical archive or the thrill of a budget book haul, Manila has a literary corner waiting for you. The city’s unique charm lies in its blend of old and new, nowhere more evident than in its public libraries and secondhand bookstores.
Public Libraries in Manila
Looking for stories that inspire without breaking the bank? Manila’s public libraries are rich in history, free to access, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
1. National Library of the Philippines (Ermita)
Location: 1000 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Social media pages: Facebook | Instagram
Tucked along Kalaw Avenue, this majestic institution isn’t just a library—it’s a monument to memory. Housing rare manuscripts, Filipiniana collections, and iconic literary works like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and bookworms alike. The library also safeguards priceless artifacts, including the original Philippine Declaration of Independence.
Need remote access? The NLP ePortal provides a gateway to e-journals, e-books, theses, and audiobooks—accessible from anywhere with a library account.
How to get there: A short walk from LRT-1 United Nations Station.
Living near Manila? You’re in luck. This literary treasure trove is just around the corner—one more reason why investing in an RFO condo in Manila, like the Four Season Riviera, isn’t just about location but lifestyle.
2. Quezon City Public Library
Location: Gate 3, City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City
Opening hours: Monday 8:20 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tues–Fri 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Social media pages: Facebook | Instagram
Modern, welcoming, and well-loved by locals, the QC Public Library is far more than a quiet place to study. It offers updated catalogs, free Wi-Fi, and a collection spanning fiction, non-fiction, and government publications. Cozy seating areas and helpful staff make this a favorite among students and young creatives.
Insider tip: Explore nearby creative learning spots like pottery classes at Tahanan Pottery Shop & Studio, or grab coffee at De’Ja Brew—perfect pairings for an intellectually chill day.
How to get there: Just a jeep or trike ride from MRT Quezon Avenue or LRT-2 Anonas stations.
3. Ortigas Foundation Library
Location: 2/F McKinley Parking Building, Greenhills Shopping Center
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Social media pages: Facebook | Instagram
Tucked inside Greenhills Shopping Center, the Ortigas Foundation Library offers a calm escape for book lovers and researchers. Known for its impressive collection of rare Filipiniana, World War II records, and documents on Philippine art and culture, this library is a haven for those who enjoy digging deep into history and heritage.
Beyond browsing, the library also hosts workshops on book conservation and painting restoration, making it a living space for learning and community enrichment.
Bonus: Pair your visit with Sunday brunch at a cozy Greenhills café or hunt for hidden gems in the shopping center’s retro nooks. If you live nearby, like at Valencia Hills Tower E in New Manila, Quezon City, the Ortigas Foundation Library is just a quick drive away, perfect for your weekly cultural fix.
4. CCP Library and Archives
Location: 3/F Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Social media pages: Facebook | Instagram
Nestled within the CCP complex, this library is a goldmine for art lovers. It houses film reels, original theater scripts, concert programs, and archives from icons like Lino Brocka and Nicanor Abelardo.
Pro tip: Come before a show or exhibit to soak in the culture both onstage and on paper.
How to get there: Easily reachable via LRT-1 Vito Cruz Station, followed by a quick jeep or walk.
Best Secondhand Bookstores in Manila
Now, if your idea of a perfect day involves getting lost on shelves stacked with pre-loved stories, then Manila’s secondhand bookstores are your wonderland.
5. Booksale
Locations: Various locations (e.g., Makati Cinema Square, SM malls)
Opening hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Social media page: Facebook
From thrillers and textbooks to self-help reads and romance novels, Booksale is a budget book lover’s best friend. With prices starting as low as ₱50, it’s easy to walk out with an armful of stories without emptying your wallet.
Reader tip: Visit mid-month when new stock usually arrives. Bring cash and a reusable tote—you’ll likely leave with more than you planned.
Online finds? You can score titles on Shopee, too!
6. Bookay-Ukay
Location: 55 Maginhawa St., UP Village, Quezon City
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
A Maginhawa classic with an indie spirit. This cozy clutter of comics, novels, poetry, zines, and even CDs feels like your friend’s attic. It’s a neighborhood nook perfect for spontaneous treasure hunts after grabbing coffee nearby.
How to get there: A few blocks from UP Diliman and easily accessible via trike or jeep from Philcoa.
Tip: Bring small bills, browse slowly, and ask the staff if you’re hunting something specific—they often have unlisted stock.
7. Books for Less
Location: 14/F Goldloop Tower B, Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Social media page: Instagram
Books for Less is your best bet for bulk buys or curated hauls. Their collection covers children’s books, fiction, business, self-help, and more. You can grab a single read for as low as ₱50 or shop wholesale with a ₱25,000 minimum for schools, libraries, or your dream shelf.
Also available online via Shopee—great for nationwide hauls!
Chapter Close, Story Begins
From the hushed halls of the National Library to the treasure-stacked aisles of Bookay-Ukay, Manila proves that your next great read doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re flipping through rare manuscripts in Ermita or unearthing forgotten fiction in a Makati thrift shop, the city offers endless escapes for every kind of book lover without breaking the bank.
And for those lucky enough to live near these literary landmarks, reading becomes part of your everyday rhythm. Imagine being just a short walk away from world-class libraries, charming bookstores, and weekend spots for bargain book hunts. That’s the kind of plot twist every bookworm dreams of.
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Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Digital Marketing Head
Martin is an experienced marketer with over 16 years of experience across various industries including real estate, banking and finance, technology, and advertising.
Martin has a broad range of expertise in having handled campaigns, brand launches, activations both in the traditional and digital space. Currently serving as the Digital Marketing Head at Federal Land, Martin leads a team focused on managing digital sales and platforms for the residential, estates and commercial business units.