More than 40 publishers contributed 5,000 books to the festival, many of which were later donated to libraries in central provinces that had been hit by natural calamities.

At the event, which was attended by many students from schools and colleges in Hanoi, the organizers launched a movement to build standardized ‘friendly libraries’.

Nguyen Manh Hung, Director of the Thai Ha Books Company, told VOV that a reading culture involves good habits, and skills for choosing and reading books.

He called on bookshops and book companies to respect copyright laws and to guide readers in choosing and reading books.

The reading festival included many other activities such as a painting contest, presentations on reading culture and speed-reading techniques, and an exhibition of books featuring library activities.

Signatures were also collected for a campaign to make April 23 National Reading Day.