Fostering a Reading Culture in Community Spaces
In today’s fast-paced modern life, the reading culture faces many challenges. However, in several localities in the southeastern area of Lam Dong Province, new reading spaces are gradually taking shape—from community houses and residential areas to book cafés—helping improve access to books and rekindle reading habits within the community.
Legal book corners at community houses
At the Phu Thanh Neighborhood Cultural House in Ham Thang Ward, a legal book cabinet is neatly arranged in a corner. While specializing in specific genres, the shelves offer essential scientific and legal books, systematically organized by the local management board.
According to Mr. Le Van Hai, Head of Phu Thanh Neighborhood, nearly 150 titles are currently available. “Most of these books were collected after training courses, community meetings or provided with support from the ward authorities. They include materials on crop and livestock care techniques, environmental protection, community health, as well as legal documents such as the Land Law, Marriage and Family Law, Road Traffic Law and social welfare policies,” he said. “Though modest in number, these books help residents better understand state regulations.”
Mr Hai added that although people now have access to legal information through various media, many still prefer printed books because the materials are concise and easy to understand. This contributes to raising legal awareness and reducing unnecessary violations in daily life and production.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Ho Thi Thu Van, a resident of Phu Thanh Neighborhood, said that instead of searching online among scattered sources or waiting for legal dissemination sessions, residents can now proactively read essential documents right in their neighborhood.
Similar community book cabinets can be found in other wards and communes across the southeastern area of the province. Despite limitations in quantity and genres—particularly a shortage of literature, life skills books and children’s books—these basic legal and scientific materials have supported grassroots authorities in communication and advocacy work. As a result, residents are gradually becoming more informed, responsible citizens, contributing to the development of a healthy cultural life at the local level.
Book cafés – small libraries in urban life
In Phan Thiet and Phu Thuy Wards, many cafés have created cozy, thoughtfully designed reading corners for those who enjoy books and quiet spaces. Wooden bookshelves arranged under soft lighting, along with private yet comfortable seating, offer a relaxing environment for readers.
According to Mr Luu Trong Khang, owner of PM Café in Phu Thuy Ward, the idea initially aimed to create a unique feature for the café. “As I noticed customers’ interest, I gradually added more books. Currently, over 300 titles are displayed in different corners, covering literature, history, economics, life skills and children’s books,” he said.
The book café model has emerged as a creative idea that meets the needs of book lovers. Each café functions like a small library, harmoniously combining reading with enjoying beverages. This convenience allows readers to savor short breaks after work or study to relax and recharge through books.
In the constant flow of digital information, printed books—carrying the breath of time—continue to coexist with modern electronic media. Each book café and community book cabinet, though small in scale, is quietly contributing to the formation of sustainable reading habits and the shaping of a lifelong learning community, where knowledge is continuously shared and spread.