Cultural Center of the Philippines CCP e-Library and Library & Archives

History and Founding

The CCP Library and Archives was established in 1972 as a department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), itself founded by Executive Order No. 30 in 1966 and opened in 1969. Building on collections that began growing in July 1970, the library became the national repository for Filipiniana and foreign materials on arts, culture, history, and the humanities. The CCP e-Library is its online access layer, providing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) allowing remote searching and discovery of the physical library's holdings.

Collections and Holdings

The CCP Library and Archives holds significant collections including art books, film and theater photographs and scripts, manuscripts, audio and video recordings, memorabilia, musical compositions, and authentic video documentation of Filipino cultural traditions. Special collections donated by renowned artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts are considered among the most valuable holdings. The library has also published notable reference works including the ten-volume Union Catalog on Philippine Culture.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The clippings file and ephemeral collections document the history of Philippine performing arts coverage in newspapers and periodicals. Published serials from the CCP itself — including Lahi, Pamana, and Gantimpala — are held in full runs. Audiovisual materials document in-house performances, festivals, and Filipino and international artists who performed at the CCP.

Access and Usage

The CCP e-Library OPAC is accessible online at culturalcenter.gov.ph/online/ccp-e-library/, allowing users to search and identify materials available in the physical library without visiting in person. The library provides research and reference services on-site in Pasay City, as well as off-site and online services. Interlibrary loans and linkages with schools, libraries, and other cultural institutions are maintained.