Discussing reading culture in Nghe An

(Baonghean) - 2014 marked the first time Vietnam designated April 21st as Vietnam Book Day. This event aims to encourage the reading movement in the community, raising public awareness of the great significance and importance of reading for enhancing knowledge and skills, developing thinking, and educating and shaping human character.

Readers participate in the Nghe An Book Festival on the morning of April 19th. Photo: Van Hung

Reading culture in Nghe An

From ancient times to the present day, Nghe An has always been renowned as a land of learning, home to many excellent teachers, students, and individuals. This land was once famous nationwide for its families and clans that preserved many rare and valuable books. However, with the explosion of mass media, especially the rapid development of audio-visual culture and various forms of technological entertainment, Nghe An's reading culture has inevitably declined. This is clearly evident in the lack of readers at libraries; while large bookstores seem bustling, most people are there to buy stationery or souvenirs. Even during periods when bookstores like Thanh Vinh Bookstore, Gia Lai Bookstore, and the North Central Book Distribution Company offered discounts of 70-80%, there was still little interest. The school library system throughout the province is largely symbolic, failing to fully utilize its potential and value.

There are many answers to this situation, each with its own rationale. Regarding the decline of reading culture compared to audio-visual culture, many argue that media such as television, computers, phones, and iPads have contributed to people's reluctance to read. Children can play games all day without getting bored or tired, adults can watch a movie for hours, or spend all day engrossed in blogs and Facebook without getting bored, yet lack the patience to hold a book for more than fifteen minutes?

It's sad, but also understandable, because without passion, how could one read? Children don't love reading from a young age; they don't receive education about reading culture, so how can they develop a love for books and reading? Nowadays, parents spend too much time cramming their children into extra classes and advanced courses. When they go to bookstores, they mainly buy books for their children to use for studying, forgetting to guide them towards reading good books that nurture their souls and character. Not to mention our current publishing market, which has many books with poor content, plagiarized and copied material, even misguided in their direction, with too many errors in content and spelling. Many readers believe that finding a decent book amidst the vast array of publications today is not easy!

Reviving the reading culture?

Currently, Nghe An has two publishing houses operating in the province: Nghe An Publishing House, which is 34 years old, and Vinh University Publishing House, newly established in 2011. Nghe An also has 153 distribution units and 17 printing facilities that have been granted permission to print books. The Nghe An Provincial Library has 250,000 books and over 400 types of newspapers and magazines, along with a system of libraries in districts, schools, and community post offices. These figures show that Nghe An has a strong publishing, printing, distribution, and library system compared to other provinces.

To contribute to the revitalization of reading culture, it is suggested that the aforementioned units should cooperate and work together to create more high-quality publications that suit readers' tastes. It is necessary to have book series that highlight Nghe An province, such as: Famous People of Nghe An, History of Nghe An, Culture, Science, and the Life of the People of Nghe An… promoted and introduced at major libraries and bookstores in the province. At the same time, book launches should be organized at popular locations such as Ho Chi Minh Square and Uncle Ho's birthplace… to attract a wider audience. In addition to traditional printed books, publishers should focus on electronic publications to serve readers who prefer reading online, especially young readers.

Promoting a reading culture shouldn't be done as a fad; it requires a sound strategy. Families and schools need to cooperate in cultivating reading habits in children from an early age, guiding them towards a passion and interest in books. Reading festivals at schools are necessary and beneficial. School libraries should receive practical investment, avoiding mere formality and superficiality.

If small libraries were established in every family, village, and residential area, reading would become a daily activity. At home, if grandparents and parents are avid readers, children will imitate them. At school, if teachers frequently read, students will follow suit... Every family and school should hold discussions about each book; this will surely foster a passion and interest in reading.

This year marks the first time the whole country is celebrating Vietnam Book Day (April 21st), with many vibrant activities taking place across most provinces and cities. In Nghe An, from April 19th to 21st, a Book Fair, Exhibition, and Introduction will be held at the Nghe An Publishing House, No. 39, Le Hong Phong Street, Vinh City, in collaboration with several publishing, printing, distribution, and library units. It is hoped that these meaningful activities will take place regularly to affirm the value of books, honor readers, collectors, writers, and those working in publishing, printing, and distribution.

Bui Ngoc

(Nghe An Publishing House)