Reviving the reading culture in the community.

While The Hidden Book Fair has become a memorable book festival for Gen Z, the "Happy Library" model in Hanoi is persistently sowing the seeds of knowledge and spreading a reading culture within the community.

When Gen Z spreads the reading culture

Launched in 2016, The Hidden Book Fair 2026, organized by the Ams Advisor Club (the academic club of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students), was a success, attracting approximately 1,000 visitors, including young people and families.

Young people visit a book booth at The Hidden Book book fair. Photo: NA

With the theme "Fly By K'Night," inspired by the journey of knights conquering the skies from their mountain-dwelling city-states, the 2026 book fair's uniqueness lies not in the number of titles or the size of the booths, but in its innovative approach. Books are no longer confined to shelves, but placed in multi-dimensional experiential spaces: from reading areas and photobooths to interactive games and craft activities. Each area is designed vividly, creating a sense of intimacy, stimulating participants' curiosity, and reflecting the distinct personality of Generation Z.

Nguyen Chau Anh, Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We hope that everyone who comes here will have memorable experiences with books, not just reading, but also feeling and connecting with books in their own way.”

Children participate in engaging experiential activities. Photo: NA

In reality, many young people who previously showed little interest in reading expressed clear enthusiasm after participating in these activities. Do Do Ha My, a 12th-grade student from Thuong Cat High School in Hanoi, said: "Before, I rarely read books, but after participating, I find books more interesting and want to spend more time reading."

The book fair not only attracts young people but is also a destination for many families. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lien (Tu Liem ward, Hanoi) shared: "What impressed me was the dedication of the young people; some even participated while using crutches despite having casts on their legs to ensure the program ran effectively."

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lien has been a loyal reader of the book fair for the past four years. Photo: Ngoc Minh

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao and her child experience the booths at the event. Photo: Ngoc Minh.

Sharing the same opinion, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao (Nghia Do ward, Hanoi) said that although it was her first time participating in the event, when browsing the books at the booths, she found most of them very novel, modern, and suitable for the tastes of young people. The book fair activities created a lively atmosphere and sparked interest in reading.

Ms. Nguyen Chau Anh, Head of the Organizing Committee of The Hidden Book Fair. Photo: Ngoc Minh

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According to Nguyen Chau Anh, after each season, all the books and funds collected from the fair are donated to students in remote areas. This activity not only contributes to spreading knowledge but also fosters a sense of social responsibility among young people.

From small bookshelves to community spaces

While The Hidden Book book fair is a highly event-driven initiative that quickly spreads its message, community library models play a more enduring role in fostering reading habits. One such example in Hanoi is the "Happy Library" model, implemented in the city's suburbs.

A reading nook at the "Happy Library". Photo: Ngoc Minh

Starting with just small family bookshelves, Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy and Ms. Tran Thi Hong Tham, with the support of Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, have transformed these small bookshelves into meaningful community spaces. The "Happy Library" space is designed to be friendly, open, and suitable for all ages. Young children can access picture books and educational games; students have a learning space; and older adults have a place to read and socialize.

However, the path was far from smooth. Nguyen Van Thang shared that the biggest challenges stemmed from the reluctance to use free books, the habit of reading on electronic devices, and the competition from modern forms of entertainment. However, through perseverance, the founders gradually changed their approach by organizing reading events, inviting speakers to interact with readers, and developing themes relevant to everyday life. As a result, the library gradually attracted a large number of readers, especially children.

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"Over the past three years, starting from an old room, a few donated tables and chairs, and a team of passionate people, we have gradually created a truly meaningful reading space for the community."

Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy, co-founder of "The Library of Happiness"

Images of children engrossed in books, or families visiting the library together every weekend, have become commonplace. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lieu, a parent, shared: "When children are in an environment with so many books like this, they gradually develop a habit of reading every day."

Parents and children reading together. Photo: Ngoc Minh

In 2025, the "Happy Library" was honored to be invited to participate in the 10th anniversary celebration of "Acts of Kindness," meeting 100 exemplary individuals nationwide. Beyond simply sowing the seeds of knowledge, the model also spreads humanitarian values ​​through practical charitable activities such as connecting with others, donating books and clothes to students in mountainous areas, collecting used batteries, and participating in environmental cleanup…

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Currently, the first branch of the "Happy Library" is located in the home of Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy (address: No. 7, Dac 2 Street, Lien Minh Commune), with most of the facilities provided through social contributions. Building on this foundation, the second branch will be established in 2025 at No. 59, Thuong Hoi Street, O Dien Commune, expanding its service area to include readers in various regions.

Based on her experience implementing the "Happy Library" model, Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Thuy believes that for a reading culture to develop sustainably, the important thing is not to impose it but to nurture the habit of reading naturally in daily life.

According to Ms. Thuy, building a reading culture environment requires three core elements: having teachers who love books, having groups of friends who also love reading, and having bookshelves with many good books. In this, parents should not only guide but also be role models and "reading friends" for their children. Each family needs to build a suitable bookshelf, place it in an easily accessible location, and maintain a daily reading habit of about 15-30 minutes to create a sustainable routine.

Recently, the "Happy Library" model has also contributed to connecting with the community reading room at the Cultural Center of Cluster 3, Tho Xuan area (Lien Minh commune, Hanoi) to rotate books, ensuring that the bookshelves always have new content to serve readers. These are "cultural meeting points" that attract students and young people during the summer.

Models like The Hidden Book or the "Happy Library" demonstrate that reading culture remains vibrant if approached appropriately in modern life.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/danh-thuc-van-hoa-doc-trong-cong-dong-1209785.html