AsemconnectVietnam -  The 2017 Book Festival officially opened at the National Library of Vietnam in Hanoi on April 20 as part of activities to mark the Vietnam Book Day (April 21) and the World Book and Copyright Day (April 23).

The event, themed “Books – Knowledge and Social Development”, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Director of the library Kieu Thuy Nga said the book festival aims to reiterate the value, role and importance of books in the society. It also honours those who collect, compile, publish, print and distribute books, and encourages book reading in the community. 

Through the event, organisers wish to raise the responsibility of relevant bodies, social organisations and the whole community for building and developing the reading culture in Vietnam, Nga added.

The festival features numerous activities, including an exhibition introducing materials on the essence of human knowledge, cultures and civilisations around the world, and the nation’s achievements in socio-economy, science-technology, education, health care, security and defence.

A book fair offering a wide range of books and discounts is taking place until April 23 as part of the festival.


Visitors to the event will have a chance to exchange with renowned speakers such as historian Duong Trung Quoc, Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, and Vice President of the Vietnam Publishers Association Nguyen Kiem.


In addition, contest to tell stories in English, identify outstanding authors and books, and draw pictures will be also organised.
The festival also raises fund and collects books for libraries in remote areas.

Source: VNA