Innovate and inspire reading.

“Nearly 3,000 readers visited the Provincial Library to participate in activities during the three days of the 2023 Reading Culture Festival, not including the number of students participating in the mobile library trips to schools. This is an impressive number, showing that reading culture activities still have a strong appeal to readers.” This assessment was made by the Director of the Provincial Library, Tran Van Be, following the series of activities of the Reading Culture Festival themed “Books for me, for you” in Binh Thuan .

The Vietnamese people have a tradition of valuing education. The image of a child sitting on the back of a buffalo reading, even from several hundred years ago, remains the most cherished image, because reading is the starting point of learning—self-directed learning, lifelong learning. However, in today's trend, readers tend to prefer accessing information sources quickly and seemingly "effortlessly" rather than reading books. Therefore, reaching out to readers is a method that libraries in the southeastern and southernmost central regions of Vietnam are collaborating on, sharing approaches to expand their book collections and spread the habit of reading within the community.

Looking back at the 2023 Reading Culture Festival recently held in Binh Thuan, we can see the determination of libraries to adapt to modern trends and shed the label that many people once attached to them as "book storage." The attractiveness and appeal to readers began with the arrangement and display of book stalls, featuring a wide range of genres from history, literature, science, to local history, with visually appealing presentations from libraries in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan , Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Thuan. The novelty was also evident in the organization, making the book festival space vibrant with laughter and many enjoyable moments. Because readers not only browsed, searched for, read, and relaxed with books, but also had the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on scientific and effective reading methods; and interact with authors and their works. The knowledge system uses games… In particular, incorporating folk games with question-and-answer sessions on specific topics has truly captivated readers, especially students. Ms. Phan Diem Thuy – Deputy Director of Binh Duong Provincial Library shared: Instead of boring back-and-forth answering, using folk games helps children exercise both physically and intellectually, while also fostering a spirit of unity. Games like blindfolded pig smashing, bamboo pole jumping, jump rope, and the "thousand-mile walk" are easy to play and have a long history of association with people in various regions.

Even the introduction of mobile multimedia libraries into schools incorporates a variety of activities. There are groups for reading books, groups for watching science films, groups for hands-on experiences and practical exercises based on books… This has provided students with access to many good books, encouraged reading and learning, and helped them develop appropriate reading habits, skills, and methods.

With lively and engaging games involving books, the event attracted not only avid readers but also those who rarely read. Than Van Hong Han, an 8th-grade student, and many other students from Hung Vuong Secondary School shared: "After reading books and watching science films, there are quizzes and practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities like building gas rockets and searching for pictures. I find reading very interesting and no longer boring…"

Books are both our friends and our teachers.

Innovating methods of serving readers in the new context, diversifying forms of propaganda, dissemination, and book introduction are the approaches that libraries are aiming for, with the common goal of creating a stronger connection between books and readers, encouraging and developing a reading culture in the community. This also inspires schools in the province to pay more attention to reading sessions, build friendly libraries, and organize related activities and competitions to encourage students to engage with books more. A good environment is essential for nurturing "good seeds" to develop, contributing to building a solid reading foundation within the flow of Vietnamese culture.

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