The University of the Philippines Visayas University Library, under the leadership of Ms. Analiza Galang-Linaugo, University Librarian, recently received four boxes containing 451 books from UP Diliman alumni, Mr. and Ms. Joe and Patria Rivera. The donation includes novels, fiction books, non-fiction books, storybooks for children, and picture books.
The University Library will include the donated fiction books in the new library corner dedicated to fiction enthusiasts. The new building of the University Library will soon feature the library corner. The donation contributes to the growing collection of the library, giving its patrons a wide range of learning, research, and leisure reading resources.
The Filipino Canadian couple, based in Toronto, Ontario also donated 527 library materials in 2022. Patria, also known as Patty, is an accomplished poet and writer with published poetry books and chapbooks that received recognition abroad. One of her written works is Rare Species, a poem that bagged second prize in the Eric Hill Award of Poetic Excellence in 2005.
Patria generously donated copies of her poetry books to the University Library. The books are Puti/White (Finalist, 2006 Trillium Book Award for Poetry), The Time Between, The Bride Anthology, and Be. The husband of Patty, Joe, is a retired lawyer and blogger turned painter whose artworks depict social realism. Various galleries in Canada have displayed the artworks of Joe, such as in the Asian Heritage multimedia exhibit at Toronto City Hall.
Patria is a UP graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, while Joe completed a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Their support and love for books are evident through their continued contributions to the University Library. (With sources from the Philippine Canadian News)
