Ho Chi Minh City’s book street given a makeover
Nearly 386,000 books were sold at Ho Chi Minh City’s Duong Sach (or Book Street) in the first half of this year, bringing a revenue of VND20 billion (US$880,000), up 5% annually.
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Le Hoang, Director of City Book Street Ltd, said that after more than two years of establishment, the firm has started to earn a positive revenue. Ten exhibitors on the street recorded a slight increase in turnover by 3.8-13%, while the First News outlet went up 40%, and the Women’s Publishing House went up 54.6%.
He attributed the result to the release of many new publications, exchanges with authors and book-signing events, and thematic activities that attracted many children and students.
In collaboration with the municipal Transport Department, the street created a model bus to offer a free reading space to visitors. It also worked with the southern Women’s Museum and Comic Academy to launch exchange programmes and exhibitions.
In order to make the street more attractive to foreign tourists, the company suggested the city maintain the long-term operation of two parking lots and build a public toilet in replace of the one currently shared with the McDonald’s restaurant, making it easier for readers to visit the street.
During the period, the street held 95 cultural and book exchange events, as well as frequent activities tailored for children.
