THE Br. Fidelis Leddy Center for Learning Resources (CLR) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde received the Innovative Library Design Award from the Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians (Paarl), an association that provides leadership in the development and growth of library and information services in the country.
Bestowed under the Medium Size Category, the prestigious Innovative Library Design Award highlighted the impact of excellent design on the learning, teaching and research within members of the communities.
It acknowledged the state-of-the-art concept of Benilde’s resource centers across all campuses through a combination of inspiring internal spaces, architectural expression, and excellent functionality.
Established in 1973, Paarl’s mission is to articulate the concerns of the experts and their institutions. The organization further influences information policy development on the future of academic and research libraries.
Benilde CLR Director Michael Anthony Mojica reiterated the importance of learner-centered plans and intentional design in this endeavor.
“From Filipino Sign Language (FSL)-friendly features to flexible learning spaces and an efficient room-booking system, the library supports diverse learning styles and needs,” he expounded. “Together, these elements create an accessible, adaptable, and forward-thinking educational environment for all Benildeans,” he added.
More than just repositories of books, the modernized libraries of Benilde, built to adapt to times, aim to inspire and empower the students by providing a safe space for study, collaboration and recharge. Motivated by the belief that innovation begins with inclusion, each feature of the centers is designed to support all types of learners.
At the newly renovated CLR at the Taft Campus, the soft white hues and blue-green walls create a calm visual environment. It supports students of the Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and Benilde Deaf School (BDS), enabling them to sign more easily and communicate without the distraction of a busy background.
Customizable features
The spaces are likewise accessible to differently abled learners. With intentionally wide and open aisles, wheelchair users can comfortably browse and interact with the collections. The flooring across the entrances and hallways of the CLR at the Atrium Campus also offers tactile paths to empower blind and low-vision students to move more independently and confidently.
Aligned with the universal design for learning principles, the layouts of the Benilde libraries are all customizable. Chairs come in various shapes, sizes and styles, which can be moved, rearranged and adapted to meet the needs of the users.
The college design is based on the premise that no two learners are ever the same. Those who call for solitary deep focus can use the Think Hub, a series of well-lit nooks with adjustable chairs and tables, laptops and a fast WiFi connection. These are also wheelchair-accessible and can be reserved for attending online classes or for working solo on assignments.
For those who require interaction, collaboration pods are available for groupmates who may work on creative projects together and discuss how to turn ideas into reality.
Benilde CLR encourages play as a powerful way to discover the world and how it works. With a range of the latest board games, students, classmates and friends can engage and recharge after an intense study session.
At the Material Resource Hub at the Design + Arts Campus, learning is more tangible and experiential for young talents. Through a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, it offers access to an assemblage of specialized tactile materials, such as textiles, woods and metals.
“Innovative and inclusive learning spaces are important because they allow libraries to respond to the diverse needs of their communities,” Mojica explained. “Anchored in the CLR’s vision and mission, these spaces promote accessibility, engagement, and a sense of belonging — enabling students to participate fully and develop as lifelong learners.”
The citation was presented by 2026 Paarl President Rainera Boholst and 2025 President Dr. Rosetta Nuera to Mojica, Readers’ Services Unit Head Anna Sajona, and Technical Services Unit Head Vanessa Napoles. It was bestowed during Paarl’s 53rd General Assembly and Awarding Ceremony, held at the National Library of the Philippines.
“This recognition affirmed the vision behind the redesigned Br. Fidelis Leddy Center for Learning Resources and focused on the institution’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and excellence in academic library spaces,” Napoles stated.