MANILA, Philippines — Book Nook, the community reading and learning space of SM Cares, strengthens its mission to make knowledge and learning more accessible in SM’s most-loved Supermalls.
Through a new partnership initiated by the Ateneo de Manila University, academic journals on the humanities and social sciences were donated to enrich Book Nook’s selection of learning resources across all of its branches.
“This donation helps us bring meaningful knowledge closer to the public whenever they enter the mall” said Book Nook pioneer, Shereen Sy. “We are delighted that the Ateneo aligns with SM’s ambition of extending scholarly resources that supplement learning more accessible to students, researchers, and curious readers.”
A ceremonial turnover led by Sy, marked another milestone in Book Nook’s growing collaborations with respected academic institutions.
Bridging learning through malls
The partnership highlights the role that collaborations between educational institutions and community spaces can play in advancing nation-building through education and knowledge sharing.
By making academic publications more accessible outside traditional university settings, initiatives like Book Nook help create opportunities for learning among students, educators, and the wider public.
“The timing is quite perfect,” said Sy. “With summer starting, and more students and readers spending time at our malls now, they have another worthwhile activity to enjoy and enrich themselves with as the humanities and social sciences play such a crucial role in shaping contemporary discourse.”
Launched by SM Cares, Book Nook is designed as a welcoming space where communities can discover the joy of reading, exchange ideas, and participate in creative and educational activities. Located at SM North EDSA (The Annex, Level 3) and SM Podium (Level 5), the initiative regularly hosts book readings, storytelling sessions, workshops, and creative gatherings that encourage learning, creativity, and connection.
Recent and upcoming activities at Book Nook include storytelling sessions with Bookshelf PH, book readings with IBBY Philippines, art workshops, creative sessions, and community events that bring together readers of all ages.
Through these programs and partnerships, Book Nook continues to evolve into a vibrant learning hub that empowers communities through stories, creativity, and shared knowledge.
With the support of partners such as Ateneo de Manila University, Book Nook aims to expand its reach and inspire more institutions and organizations to collaborate in making knowledge more accessible to the public.
The Ateneo’s donation includes titles published under the Research, Creative Work, and Innovation Office of the Ateneo such as Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints, Perspectives in the Arts and Humanities Asia, Social Transformation: Journal of the Global South, Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture, and the Journal of Management for Global Sustainability.
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About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.
About SM Cares
As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.