Australia Corner Opens in Manila, Bringing Free Books and Cultural Exchange

MANILA, Philippines — A new literary and cultural hub has been unveiled in Manila with the launch of the first-ever Australia Corner, a dedicated space filled with books that highlight Australian literature, culture, and history. The initiative, spearheaded by Book Nook founder Architect Shereen Sy in collaboration with SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, was formally introduced to the public with Australian Ambassador HK Yu leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Australia Corner offers a diverse collection of children’s books, novels, and educational materials about Australia—many of which are not readily available in local bookstores. The project is supported by the Australian Embassy, which contributed a curated selection of books, along with donations from Australia-educated Filipinos and the Melbourne-based Give-A-Textbook Foundation.

During the launch, Ambassador Yu expressed her hope that the initiative would inspire a love for reading among Filipinos of all ages while fostering a deeper understanding of Australia’s rich First Nations heritage and modern multicultural society.

The concept of Book Nook was inspired by Architect Shereen Sy’s experience in Melbourne, where she encountered a small, community-driven book-sharing shelf. Determined to bring the same accessibility to books in the Philippines, she established Book Nook in 2020 at SM Aura, followed by a second branch at SM Podium in Ortigas Center.

“This is more than just a reading space—it’s a testament to the positive impact of cultural exchange. I’m proud to see our Australia alumni bringing home their experiences and turning them into something meaningful for the community,” Yu shared.

More than just a library, Book Nook is a free space where people can read, donate, and exchange books. Managed by SM Cares, it also serves as a venue for educational workshops, cultural lectures, and community events. The Australian Embassy envisions Australia Corner as a platform for Australian-educated Filipinos and Australian guests to engage in knowledge-sharing activities in the future.

As Australia Corner opens its doors, it marks the beginning of a stronger literary and cultural connection between the Philippines and Australia, making knowledge and learning more accessible to the Filipino community.