Vietnamese readers are reading differently.

According to observations from two foreign language bookstores in Hanoi, a segment of readers is changing their reading habits, becoming more proactive and selective, and embracing reading as an integral part of their intellectual lives.

Located on Nguyen Che Nghia street (Hang Bai ward, Hanoi ), in an old French house, is The Bookshelf Hanoi, affectionately known as "Seo" by locals. Upon entering, readers will immediately notice a notebook full of handwritten notes and ink on the table in the middle of the room, titled "The Bookshelf Journal ," containing the imprints of visitors from all over who have stopped by.

This is where readers can encounter interesting people: a foreign visitor exploring Vietnamese culture; a young person seeking books to broaden their worldview , or to better understand themselves; or a more mature reader with a discerning taste and a willingness to invest in a quality reading experience.

A representative from the bookstore stated that the shop was founded on the question: "What feeling should a reading space evoke in those who enter?" "We focus on selection; every book on the shelves has gone through a careful consideration process: is it meaningful? Is it suitable for our readers? And, more importantly, can it become a companion for the customer after they close the book?" she explained.

The Bookshelf attracts readers to several genres, including contemporary literature, nonfiction on psychology, society, and self-inquiry, and classic works presented with a fresh perspective. International contemporary literature is considered the "heart" of the bookstore. Works that are personal, subtle, and creative always have a unique appeal. In addition, the bookstore maintains a diverse selection of genres, aiming for a balance that caters to a wide range of reading preferences.

The bookstore and library spaces here are designed so that readers can slow down, be mindful, cherish each page, or simply be present with others who share the same rhythm of life.

A representative from the bookstore said that many readers return not only for the books, but also for the feeling of being "connected" through conversations, timely suggestions, or charming encounters centered around words. "We always believe that a bookstore, if it goes far enough, will gradually become a cultural space where people connect with each other through ideas," the representative shared.

Many readers aged 20-35 come to The Bookshelf seeking books that foster critical thinking, broaden perspectives, or provide a quiet space to "be with books." These readers often seek out in-depth non-fiction (psychology, social issues, business), quality contemporary literature, or classic works. They tend to have a relatively high spending power and are inclined to build a "home library."

The second floor of The Bookshelf Hanoi is a tranquil library space. A representative from the organization enthusiastically shared with Tri Thuc - Znews the concept behind this space: "Currently, there is a growing demand for reading foreign-language books, but purchasing imported books remains a barrier for many people. Therefore, we came up with this library model, hoping to share quality books with more people at a reasonable price."

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Representatives from the bookstore also shared that the library is a quiet space for reflection – something the bookstore considers very important in this day and age. Those who frequent this library embody a blend of nostalgia and modernity; they seek not only knowledge but also quality in how they live and feel.

The Bookshelf Hanoi always focuses on creating a space that connects with readers on a spiritual level. "We view reading as an experience, not just a transaction. At the same time, we strive to maintain our own standards in selecting and telling the story of books. This may make our operations smaller, but it also helps us to be clearer about who we are," said a representative of the bookstore.

The Bookshelf Hanoi is becoming a familiar destination for many foreign language book lovers in Hanoi. A segment of Vietnamese readers is reading differently, becoming more proactive, more selective, and committed to reading as a long-term part of their spiritual lives. Along with the change in how Vietnamese readers access knowledge, bookstores are also taking their own paths in creating a reading community.

Also a destination for foreign language lovers, InBook Ecopark is not just a bookstore but has become an integral part of the community here.

A representative from the establishment stated that with a bookstore located in an urban area, the operating methods and customer habits will be different. "An urban area is a community. The mutual support and promotion among surrounding restaurants and cafes is much stronger," the bookstore representative said.

Furthermore, because it's located in an urban area, customers often visit the bookstore with their families. Collection books and children's books sell quite well. Customer spending is also slightly higher than at bookstores in downtown Hanoi. Approximately 400 new titles are added each month. The book catalog is quite diverse: from classic books from Wordsworth Publishing, priced at over 100,000 VND, suitable for students, to more niche editions by authors who have won the Booker and Goncourt Prizes.

The bookstore stocks several famous Vietnamese literary works in English to serve both domestic and especially foreign readers. At the same time, a number of Vietnamese books are also updated, though not many, but they are still connected to InBook's core philosophy.

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The bookstore focuses on accompanying readers, creating a close-knit community of readers. The librarians here are knowledgeable about the books they sell, have a good reading record, and can advise and chat with readers about the books.

To ensure an up-to-date supply of books, the bookstore's operations team had to overcome challenging logistical obstacles and competitive supply chain issues. The satisfaction of readers holding a new book in their hands is the sweet reward for these silent efforts.

One small but striking detail that impresses many readers here is the handwritten book recommendations on the shelves. Each note is written by the librarians themselves, offering hints and riddles from the librarian team to the readers. This detail creates a silent "dialogue," making the journey of finding a book more personal, adventurous, and interesting.

Source: https://znews.vn/doc-gia-viet-dang-doc-khac-di-post1639068.html