City library gets historical marker

The Cebu City Public Library has been formally honored with a historical marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), a recognition that secures its place among Cebu’s most important heritage landmarks.

- Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/BRP

The marker, unveiled the other day, identifies the building as the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, constructed in 1939 through funds raised by Los Tocayos de Rizal in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Designed by architect Juan M. Arellano, the neoclassical structure was inaugurated on December 30, 1939.

It was closed during World War II and used as a headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army and later served as the temporary Cebu City Hall while the government building was repaired, and even housed Perpetual Succor Hospital from 1950 to 1959, accordingly.

After restoration, it reopened to the public in May 2011 and today houses the Cebu City Public Library, which operates 24/7, the Cebu City Museum, and the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.