The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is set to launch 25 new Book Nook community reading sites for 2026, raising the total number of hubs nationwide to 163.

The new sites include 16 in Luzon, four in the Visayas and five in Mindanao, expanding access to books in underserved communities.

The Book Nook Project, launched in 2021, supports the agency’s mandate under Republic Act No. 8047 to build a nationwide network of reading spaces.

NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade said the initiative helps ensure that children and new readers have access to Filipino-authored literature in safe, community-based spaces.

“By empowering local schools, indigenous communities, and local organizations, we are ensuring that children and neo-literates across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have a safe space to discover homegrown, Filipino-authored literature,” Tugade said in a statement.

The program drew 130 applicants nationwide who underwent training on site management and community development, with partners including schools, local governments, museums and grassroots groups.

The 25 new Book Nook sites are:

• Local Government Unit of Barangay Poblacion Sto. Niño

• DepEd - Villa Santiago Elementary School

• Compassion International Inc.

• Umingan Central Elementary School

• North Fairview Elementary School

• Romblon National Institute of Technology

• Kirayan National High School

• Don Marcelo C. Marty High School

• Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology

• National Museum of the Philippines–Marinduque

• Vicente A. Javier Memorial Community College

• Pilar Elementary School

• Ibajay Integrated School

• V. Bagasina Sr. Memorial High School

• Maayon National High School

• Francisco Ramos National High School

• Keamanan Inc.

• Pili National High School

• Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc.

• DaluBASA/PSHS

• Kinabuhayan Elementary School

• National Museum of the Philippines, Southern Luzon National Museums (Daraga, Albay)

• Talaonga National High School

• Oro Christian Grace School

• Malinao Ilaya Integrated National High School

NBDB READ officer-in-charge Daniel Mariano said the hubs aim to promote a culture of reading while helping communities take ownership of their learning spaces.

“These spaces are the hearts of our neighborhoods. We are not just handing out books, but planting seeds of critical thinking and creative expression,” Mariano said.

The new sites are set to be completed and launched within the year.