Few people know that behind the establishment of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on 21 April were passionate discussions that often continued late into the night among publishing professionals. Among those who actively contributed to these conversations was Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, Chairman of Thai Ha Books, alongside many other individuals dedicated to the development of books and reading culture.

In the early 2010s, the home of Nguyen Kiem, former Director General of the Publishing Department and former President of the Vietnam Publishers Association, regularly hosted gatherings of people deeply committed to books and reading culture.

Recalling his time working at Thai Ha Books, Vu Trong Dai, now Director of TIMES Science and Education Publishing Joint Stock Company, shared that he and Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, Chairman of Thai Ha Books, frequently visited Nguyen Kiem’s home to discuss initiatives aimed at developing the publishing industry and promoting reading culture within the community.

As Nguyen Kiem was often occupied with work, these meetings usually began at around 7 pm and continued until 10 pm. Sometimes, everyone became so absorbed in discussing books that they even forgot to eat or drink.

It was during these conversations that numerous ideas began to take shape, including organising book fairs, developing book roads and book streets, establishing a fund to support publishing, and, most notably, introducing a national day dedicated to books.

Dr Nguyen Manh Hung’s regular participation in these discussions reflected the dedication of a publishing professional whose aspirations extended beyond publishing and business to the broader mission of fostering a reading culture throughout society. Together with Nguyen Kiem, Vu Trong Dai and other like-minded colleagues, he contributed to the discussions, development and dissemination of ideas that would have a lasting impact on Vietnam’s publishing industry.

Through the collective efforts of numerous individuals, organisations and government agencies, on 25 February 2014, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 284/QD-TTg, officially designating 21 April each year as Vietnam Book Day.

Later, on 4 November 2021, Decision No. 1862/QD-TTg formally established the name Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, broadening its significance from honouring the value of books to encouraging reading habits and developing a reading culture throughout society.

Notably, at a publishing industry review conference, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung also acknowledged Dr Nguyen Manh Hung’s suggestion to incorporate the promotion of reading into the name of Vietnam Book Day. This detail illustrates how ideas and proposals emerging from practical experience in the publishing industry were heard and contributed to the wider efforts to promote reading culture in Vietnam.\

Over the past decade, 21 April has become an annual cultural occasion marked by a wide range of meaningful activities, including book fairs, author meetings, library development initiatives, book introductions and reading-promotion campaigns across the country. Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day not only honours books and the people who create them but also reinforces the importance of knowledge in society.

Looking back on this journey, the late-night conversations at Nguyen Kiem’s home remain treasured memories. The image of Dr Nguyen Manh Hung and his fellow publishing professionals tirelessly discussing the future of books serves as a reminder that initiatives with lasting significance sometimes begin with simple gatherings and the shared commitment of people united by a common passion.

Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on 21 April is now a collective achievement of many generations, nurtured through ideas, persistent efforts and the belief that books, knowledge and reading culture can bring about positive changes in society.

Continuing this spirit, Dr Nguyen Manh Hung recently shared his vision of “Reading Nation – A Nation of Readers”, calling for a broader approach to developing reading culture in Vietnam. According to Dr Hung, a nation of readers is not defined merely by the number of libraries, books published or book fairs organised. More importantly, it is a country where reading becomes a natural habit and an integral part of every citizen’s daily life.

Building on initiatives such as ATM Books, ATM Community Bookshelves, Reading Tours, Happy Libraries, and Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on 21 April, the Reading Nation vision seeks to bring together individual reading-promotion efforts into a long-term, sustainable movement.

It reflects the aspiration to build a society in which every family, school, workplace and community has a space dedicated to books, where reading extends beyond annual events and gradually becomes an essential part of everyday life.

Ultimately, this vision aims to help shape a Vietnam whose people love reading, embrace lifelong learning and continue to develop through knowledge.

References: Znews – “Late-Night Conversations Among Members of the Vietnam Publishers Association”; information from the 2024 Publishing Industry Review Conference.

Compiled by Huyen Chau and Tuyet Minh