The April 21-22 event that honours the reading culture of Vietnamese people is also part of activities to mark the World Book and Copyright Day (April 23). 

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai said the event, which was held simultaneously in various localities and universities, aims to encourage young people, students and teenagers to develop a reading habit. 

Reading is indispensable in the evolvement of humankind in general and a nation in particular, including Vietnam, and the love for books will nurture good character in each person, Ai said.

Themed “Book - Knowledge - the Root of Success”, this year’s festival comprised various activities, such as an exhibition of Vietnam’s ancient books, painting contest and writing contest for children, book donation to develop new urban bookshelves, and lectures on reading culture and skills.

In 1995, UNESCO decided to observe April 23 as the World Book and Copyright Day, to honour the values that books bring about to humanity and encourage people, especially young ones, to read books.