Reading culture is not only a habit of acquiring knowledge, but also a manifestation of a profound spiritual life, contributing to nurturing independent thinking, personality and lifelong learning ability. When books are present in everyday life such as in coffee shops, reading becomes more familiar. At this time, book cafes are not simply a service model, but also contribute to restoring reading culture, a sustainable foundation in modern life.
Appearing more than a decade ago, book cafes in Can Tho have increasingly asserted their role in urban life. From Book Cafe Phuong Nam, the first model opened in 2010 on Hoa Binh Avenue, to date there have been about 15 shops operating in this form. Names such as Coffee & Books-Khong thoi gian, Café sách OZAGO, Tra-Sach stop and La Cafe chain are becoming familiar destinations for students, office workers and book lovers.
In Ninh Kieu district, the economic and educational center of the city, modern and convenient book cafes are increasingly appearing on streets such as Mac Thien Tich, Nguyen Van Linh, Tran Bach Dang. Each shop has its own style, but all aim for a quiet, cozy atmosphere, attracting many visitors.
According to statistics from some shop owners, the average number of customers ranges from 50 to 200 per day. Some large-scale models such as La Cafe can welcome up to 2,000 customers during peak season, showing the growing attraction of this type of combination of relaxation and knowledge.
Ms. Lan Anh, a regular customer of Coffee & Books-Khong thoi gian, shared: “Ordering a cup of hot tea, reading a favorite book and feeling light-hearted. Here, everything is slow and gentle, I really like it.”
Not only young people, book cafes also maintain the reading habit of the elderly. Mr. Tam, a retired cadre living in Tan An ward, Ninh Kieu district, visits the small bookstore on Mac Thien Tich street every day. He chooses a seat near the window, quietly reading history books. “When I am old, I cannot go far, so I come here to sip coffee, read books, and have friends to chat with. Living like this, I feel not lonely but useful,” he said.
Standing out in this development trend is the La Cafe chain - the brainchild of a former student of Can Tho University. From the first branch in 2023, the chain has rapidly expanded on major streets. The open space and friendly design like a mini library have turned La Cafe into a familiar destination for thousands of students every day.
Founder Vo Thi Bich Tram shared: “I want to create a relaxing, quiet space for those who love books. A place to read, study, work, or simply find peace in the midst of a busy life. I believe that such spaces not only serve personal needs but also contribute to nurturing the spirit of learning in the community.”
Not only business models, book cafes are also developed in a community-oriented direction thanks to the creativity of mass organizations. A typical example is the "Coffee and Books" model at the Cultural and Sports Center of Thoi Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, implemented by the Women's Union of the ward. Combining a coffee counter with hundreds of diverse books, along with regular thematic activities, the small shop has attracted a large number of people to read, study and exchange.
Ms. Dang Ngoc Thuy, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Thoi Binh Ward, shared: "We do not take profit as our main goal, but we want this place to become a place for relaxation, connection, and to contribute to nurturing the reading habit for members and the community." It is known that the funds from the coffee shop's activities are also used to organize "charity meals" for members and people in difficult circumstances, clearly demonstrating the humanity of the model.
From small corners of shops in the heart of the city, books are not only opened for reading, but also become a bridge connecting people, nurturing souls and inspiring the spirit of learning, contributing to reviving the reading culture in Can Tho.
In the context of social networks and digital platforms penetrating every corner of life, the revival of reading culture through simple yet sophisticated spaces is proof that the need to receive knowledge has never been lost. Preserving and nurturing the habit of reading today is an investment in the spiritual and intellectual foundation of society tomorrow.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/ca-phe-sach-va-van-hoa-doc-o-can-tho-post884967.html
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