30 years of keeping the love of books alive.

Where the old pages never close

On Yersin Street, known as the bustling " fashion street" of Thu Dau Mot ward, few people notice a small, unassuming sign placed on the sidewalk. Going about 50 meters down a dead-end alley, a completely different space unfolds: the used bookstore of Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nga, nestled quietly at the end of the alley.

Without flashy signs or a grand storefront, this small bookstore is like a quiet note in the urban symphony. But once inside, one is immediately drawn into a world of time-worn pages, where thousands of old books are neatly arranged on wooden shelves, waiting for true book lovers to discover them.

Ms. Nga has spent 30 years surrounded by books steeped in history.

Nga's journey of over 30 years dedicated to books began with a very simple coincidence. Around 1994, when she was a young, unmarried woman, she opened a small cake shop and general store on Yersin Street, a place with less traffic and much quieter than it is now. In front of Nga's shop lived a couple who made a living selling used books. On rainy days, they would often stop by her shop for shelter. As a book lover since childhood, Nga eagerly borrowed and read every book from them, from comic books and novels to reference books.

Then one day, the couple decided to quit their jobs and return to their hometown to start a business. Ms. Nga bought back all the remaining used books, as a way to continue the unfinished path of spreading knowledge. She imported more books, categorized them by subject, bought shelves, and rearranged the space. From there, "Ms. Nga's" used bookstore was officially born. "Back then, people loved reading so much. A student would find a discontinued comic book or a rare reference book and their face would light up with joy. Seeing how much the customers loved books, I fell in love with the used book selling business," Ms. Nga recalled.

Memories of a bygone era for many generations

As time passed, the streets changed, and many old bookstores closed down one after another. Only Ms. Nga's bookstore persevered, remaining a silent witness to the reading culture of the Thu Duc area. Although it no longer had the bustling atmosphere of the past, the shelves were still full, and the books were carefully preserved as they were in the beginning.

In early 2024, a major setback struck Ms. Nga. A traffic accident severely affected her health, and the land where her bookstore was located was slated for demolition. Relatives helped move all the books back home, a few hundred meters from the old location. At that time, Ms. Nga considered giving up her profession. But her love for books, along with her belief in the enduring value of knowledge, helped her get back on her feet. The used bookstore reopened at her home, nestled deep in an alley, with fewer customers, but retaining its original spirit.

The bookstore's space is currently only about 25 square meters ^, but it's clearly categorized: from textbooks, reference books, comics, novels, popular science to music , painting, crafts, and more. Notably, the store still keeps many old newspapers and publications that were once associated with the childhoods of generations born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Readers come to the bookstore of all ages and professions. Some come to find books for study and research; others seek out books that evoke childhood memories; and some buy books to donate to children in remote areas.

In the digital age, where e-books, smart devices, and countless forms of online entertainment reign supreme, the existence of a used bookstore like Ms. Nga's is rare and precious. Having been in the business for thirty years, her greatest fortune is the support of her family. Even though her son has a stable job, he still regularly helps his mother organize and tidy the bookshelves.

Amidst the rapidly developing city, the old bookstore in the small alley quietly opens its doors every morning, waiting for book lovers to find them. Without fanfare or ostentation, this bookstore silently preserves a cultural beauty, a lasting testament to the enduring value of knowledge.

Although she sells used books, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nga places great emphasis on the origin of the books and absolutely refuses to accept pirated copies. "I've spoken with many authors and understand the value of every drop of sweat they put into their intellectual creations. That's intellectual property and a matter of intellectual rights," Ms. Nga shared.

MOOD

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/30-nam-giu-lua-tinh-yeu-sach-post837809.html