Building Imagination: How the Creative Library Space Transforms Learning in Baybay, Siargao

Lucy L. Magusara, Communications Coordinator CORPh

From a simple classroom corner to a vibrant hub of imagination, the Creative Library Space at Baybay Elementary School marks its first anniversary. 
This story is part of the Creative Literacy Program under Calls Over Ridges Philippines (CORPh) , an initiative that redefines what learning spaces can be. The Creative Library Space redefines the traditional classroom by transforming ordinary corners of schools into creative learning environments.
This milestone celebrates how one reimagined learning space continues to inspire creativity, curiosity, and collaboration among learners and teachers alike, and showcases the lasting impact of design-led, community-driven interventions in education. 

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Reconnect with the Joy of Discovery, Fostering Creativity and Curiosity

Education thrives when spaces invite children to explore, imagine, and belong. At Baybay Elementary School, the library has become a space that reconnects children with the joy of discovery. 

Beyond shelves and pages, the Creative Library Space serves as a hub for creativity. Here, learning unfolds through storytelling sessions, reading activities, and art workshops that connect education to the imagination. Students are encouraged to  actively participate, they are also drawn to the colorful manipulatives and interactive tools that stimulate curiosity and self-expression.

Master Teacher June Elizabeth Tulisana described how the library’s design creates a sense of comfort and freedom for young learners: “Unlike in the classroom where they always see desks and tables, the setup in the library is more inviting. It encourages them to read because they can feel at home. The colorful corners allow them to move around freely, collaborate, and be creative.”

The library also supports holistic literacy by combining play with learning. As School Head Jaslilpone Birao explained, “Because of the many manipulatives and word games, students become more engaged. They really enjoy playing Scrabble and other word games—it encourages them to stay longer in the library and learn creatively.”

Through these activities, children are not only reading more—they are also developing communication skills, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. The space becomes a playground for ideas, fostering the confidence to think independently and creatively.

One Year of Impact

Tulisana (left) observed significant improvements in reading performance: “Since the library was established, the students’ reading levels have improved—from instructional to independent. Even slow readers are now more encouraged to visit and read. The library really helped increase their mastery levels.”

Similarly, Administrative Officer and Learning Resource Coordinator Jenkins Platil (right) noted behavioral changes among learners: “I can really say that the students’ confidence in learning has improved. Some of them even come to the library after class to check topics they’ve learned in Science or other subjects. They look for books, verify what they studied, and learn more. Many have become more interested in reading.”

The data aligns with teacher testimonies—learner engagement, reading motivation, and creative participation have visibly increased. The space not only serves as a reading hub but also as an emotional refuge where children feel relaxed, safe, and inspired to learn. “Here in the library, they can relax and even play a bit when they feel stressed,” said Platil. “It helps them unwind and refresh their minds.”

A Community that Builds Together, Partners in Progress

One of the most distinctive features of the Creative Library Space is that it was co-created by the community —with local educators, youth volunteers, and community leaders who share CORPh’s vision of equitable and creative learning. Each partner plays a vital role in sustaining the space and ensuring it remains responsive to learners’ needs.

These reflect CORPh’s belief that education reform is most sustainable when rooted in community participation.

Although Baybay’s school head is newly assigned, Birao (left) emphasized the school’s openness to partnership: “I’m confident that once we have the time, the people here in Baybay will be very supportive. We plan to coordinate with the barangay and our stakeholders once Calls Over Ridges’ programs begin.”

The teachers recognize that continued partnership is key to expanding the program’s reach. As Tulisana expressed, “We hope that this library will continue to grow and help more children. We want it to remain a permanent reference place for the learners and become even more beautiful in the future.”

This spirit of collaboration also extends to parents and guardians. Tulisana shared that families are actively encouraging their children to read, even outside school hours: “The parents support the library by motivating their children to read at home. During our meetings, they often mention that we now have a library, which reminds them to encourage their kids to make use of it.”

Such community participation and these collaborations extend beyond physical infrastructure. They represent a shared belief that learning environments should reflect the culture, creativity, and collective strength of the community they serve. At the same time, it strengthens the sense of ownership and collective responsibility that sustains the library’s impact.

Imagining the Next Chapter

The story of the Baybay Elementary School Creative Library Space marks just the beginning of CORPh’s larger mission—to reimagine learning spaces across communities in Siargao. Each new library represents a step toward inclusive, child-centered education built on creativity and care.

As the program expands, CORPh envisions more schools embracing the same model—where classrooms become collaborative spaces and learning is guided by joy and imagination.

The teachers at Baybay have seen firsthand the transformative power of such environments. As School Head Birao reflected, “Everybody is welcome here, regardless of family background, gender, or reading level. The library gives equal opportunities to all learners.”

The Creative Library Space stands as living proof that when communities come together to build with purpose, education becomes not only accessible but also inspiring. Through partnership and creativity, Calls Over Ridges Philippines continues to nurture a generation of learners who read, imagine, and believe that their stories matter.