SM Supermalls turns the page on literacy with nationwide book drive

In an age where short-form content dominates attention spans, SM Supermalls is making an audacious bet on the long form - books. Through a new partnership with the National Library of the Philippines, SM has launched a nationwide book donation drive.

Under the campaign banner "Turning pages, changing lives," the initiative is powered by SM Book Nook, a programme known for promoting grassroots reading access. The project turns every SM mall into a drop-off point for book donations, aiming to reach schools and public libraries in underserved areas across the country.

For SM, this is a brand move rooted in community relevance. "One book, one reader, one future at a time" the company said in a release, aligning closely with the values of inclusive growth and education upliftment.

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Key figures at the launch included Joaquin L. San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing at SM Supermalls; director Cesar Gilbert Adriano and assistant director Edgardo Quiros from the National Library of the Philippines; and Book Nook pioneer Shereen T. Sy.

With foot traffic as its built-in advantage, SM's network of malls provides both visibility and ease of participation - something traditional NGOs or government-led efforts can struggle to match. In 2024, SM drew an average of 5.2 million visitors per day - amounting to 1.9 billion visits over the year.

Since its founding in 2020, Book Nook has grown into more than just a reading space - it's become a national hub for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural exchange. This year, the free programme is expanding beyond book readings with a series of workshops and events at SM Aura and SM Podium.

From comic creation to lantern-making, live poetry to silent book clubs, Book Nook invites families, students, and young creatives to explore new ideas and connect through shared stories. At Australia Corner in SM Podium, visitors can experience global storytelling firsthand, while events such as the Book Nook Reading Festival and Tikoy 101 celebrate diverse voices and traditions.

"Stories bring people together. Through Book Nook, we celebrate creativity while making learning accessible to all," said Sy.

SM has also partnered with the Autism Society Philippines to champion inclusive hiring at Book Nook, opening up more opportunities for individuals on the spectrum to thrive.

Last year, SM Cares and Book Nook celebrated National Literature Month with a month-long series of events supporting reading and inclusivity. Highlights included book launches by KC Leyco Mempin and Stephanie Zubiri, whose works addressed personal style and diversity. The programme also marked World Autism Awareness Month through storytelling sessions with Best Buddies and artist Vico Cham.

In the same year, SM Supermalls added two new locations - SM City Caloocan and SM J Mall - bringing its total to 87 malls nationwide. With three more openings planned for 2025, the company is on track to reach 100 malls by 2027.

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