"Coffee and books" bring people closer together.

The "Coffee and Books" model.

The Thoi Binh Ward Cultural and Sports Center, formerly the An Phu Ward Cultural and Sports Center, which has always operated effectively, is now even more functional thanks to its "Coffee and Books" model. Unlike the typical scene in coffee shops where many people are engrossed in their phone screens, with little interaction or conversation, customers at the small coffee shop within the Thoi Binh Ward Cultural and Sports Center often read books and discuss their contents. They not only choose books to read and learn information, but also engage in discussions and exchanges about current events and knowledge based on the content of the pages.

The reading space is furnished with a wide variety of books from the Thoi Binh Ward Library. Coffee drinkers can choose their favorite books and read them completely free of charge. Mr. Nguyen Tan Hoang, who often brings his children here to drink coffee and read children's stories together, shared that this model is very good and meaningful. His family has more time for entertainment, reading, and playing with their children. Especially because the Thoi Binh Ward Cultural and Sports Center has many cultural and sports activities that attract a large number of young people, the "Coffee and Books" model is even more effective.

Ms. Dang Ngoc Thuy, President of the Women's Union of Thoi Binh Ward, said: The "Coffee and Books" model was implemented by the Union with the desire to create an activity that helps female members have a space to interact and learn from books, maximizing the functionality of the Ward's Cultural and Sports Center. At the same time, it also serves as a place for the Union to hold meetings, exchanges, and discussions on work, instead of in meeting rooms. "Nowadays, when people have coffee, they tend to use their phones, not paying attention to or interacting with each other. Much of the information on social media is not filtered or verified. Therefore, the 'Coffee and Books' model aims to connect people and awaken a love of reading," Ms. Dang Ngoc Thuy shared.

It can be said that the book cafe model is not new, but the fact that the Thoi Binh Ward Women's Union has integrated it into its activities, attracting many participants, especially young people and families, shows clear effectiveness. Ms. Trinh My Huong, a woman from Area 11, Thoi Binh Ward, said: "Morning coffee breaks are a habit for many people, so having a book cafe space in the ward makes it even more attractive. Many people also shared that they haven't held a book to read in a long time, mainly getting information through their phones and TVs. Sitting and sipping coffee while flipping through the pages of a book is a very enjoyable feeling."

Ms. Dang Ngoc Thuy, President of the Women's Union of Thoi Binh Ward, said: The revenue from the "Coffee and Books" model and the steamed bun stand in front of the Ward's Cultural and Sports Center is mainly used to organize union activities and attract members to participate. When funding is sufficient, the union will distribute steamed buns to people in difficult circumstances. In the first distribution at the end of March, the union donated about 150 steamed buns to the people.

Text and photos: DUY KHÔI

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/-ca-phe-va-sach-mang-moi-nguoi-den-gan-nhau-hon-a185230.html