Book cafes and reading culture in Can Tho

Amidst the hustle and bustle of digital life, where the habit of reading is gradually fading, in Can Tho city, the book cafe model is quietly rekindling a passion for knowledge, creating intimate cultural spaces where people can slow down, listen, and connect.

Reading culture is not just a habit of acquiring knowledge, but also an expression of a profound spiritual life, contributing to nurturing independent thinking, character, and lifelong learning abilities. When books are present in everyday life, such as in a coffee shop, reading becomes more accessible. At this point, book cafes are not simply service models, but also contribute to the revival of reading culture, a sustainable foundation in modern life.

Appearing more than a decade ago, book cafes in Can Tho are increasingly asserting their role in urban life. From Book Cafe Phuong Nam, the first model to open in 2010 on Hoa Binh Avenue, there are now about 15 cafes operating in this format. Names like Coffee & Books - No Time, OZAGO Book Cafe, Tea & Book Stop, and the 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, streets like Mac Thien Tich, Nguyen Van Linh, and Tran Bach Dang are increasingly featuring modern and convenient book cafes. Each cafe has its own style, but all aim for a quiet and cozy atmosphere, attracting many visitors.

According to statistics from several cafe owners, the average number of customers ranges from 50 to 200 per day. Some larger-scale models like Là Cafe can welcome up to 2,000 customers during peak season, demonstrating the growing appeal of this type of establishment that combines relaxation and intellectual pursuits.

Many young people choose book cafes as a place to both relax and focus on studying.

Ms. Lan Anh, a regular customer of Coffee & Books - No Time, shared: "Ordering a hot cup of tea and reading my favorite book makes me feel so relaxed. Everything here slows down, it's peaceful, and I really like it."

It's not just young people who enjoy reading; book cafes also help maintain the reading habits of older adults. Mr. Tam, a retired official living in Tan An ward, Ninh Kieu district, visits the small book cafe on Mac Thien Tich street every day. He chooses a seat near the window and quietly reads history books. "As an old man, I can't travel far, so I come here to sip coffee, read, and chat with friends. Living like this, I feel less lonely and more useful," he expressed.

Prominent in this development trend is the Là Cafe chain – the brainchild of a former student of Can Tho University. From its first branch in 2023, the chain has rapidly expanded to major streets. Its open space and friendly design, resembling a mini-library, have made Là Cafe a familiar hangout spot for thousands of students every day.

Ms. Vo Thi Bich Tram, the founder, shared: “I want to create a relaxing, peaceful space for those who love books. A place to read, study, work, or simply find tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of life. I believe that such spaces not only serve individual needs but also contribute to nurturing a spirit of learning in the community.”

Beyond just business models, book cafes are also developing in a community-oriented direction thanks to the creativity of various organizations. A prime example is the "Coffee and Books" model at the Thoi Binh Ward Cultural and Sports Center in Ninh Kieu District, implemented by the Ward Women's Union. Combining a coffee counter with hundreds of diverse books and regular thematic activities, this small establishment has attracted a large number of people to read, learn, and socialize.

A "Coffee and Books" corner at the Thoi Binh Ward Cultural and Sports Center.

Ms. Dang Ngoc Thuy, President of the Thoi Binh Ward Women's Union, shared: "We don't aim for profit as our main goal, but rather hope this place will become a place for relaxation and connection, contributing to fostering a reading habit among our members and the community." It is known that the funds from the coffee shop's activities are also used to organize "compassionate meals" for members and people in difficult circumstances, clearly demonstrating the humanitarian nature of the model.

From small cafes in the heart of the city, books are not only opened for reading, but also become a bridge connecting people, nurturing the soul and inspiring a spirit of learning, contributing to the revival of reading culture in Can Tho.

Amidst the pervasive influence of social media and digital platforms on every aspect of life, the resurgence of reading culture through simple yet sophisticated spaces demonstrates that the need for knowledge has never diminished. Preserving and nurturing reading habits today is an investment in the spiritual and intellectual foundation of future society.

MY HANH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/ca-phe-sach-va-van-hoa-doc-o-can-tho-post884967.html