Don't let the library become a dusty place.

"A timely book can change a child's life" - this belief has been the guiding light for Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien for nearly 10 years, as she has been "carrying books" to children in disadvantaged areas.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien (fourth from the left) poses for a commemorative photo with readers at the book launch event - Photo: Ho Nhuong

The book launch and discussion for " Travel to the Fullest So That Life Is Not Wasted " by author Hoang Thi Thu Hien, former teacher at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted (Ho Chi Minh City) - founder of the Good Books for Primary School Students Project, took place at Ho Chi Minh City Book Street on the morning of October 5th.

Each book is a door that opens up to the world.

Since initiating the project, Ms. Hien has made 155 trips across 37 provinces and cities, bringing nearly 800,000 books to primary schools.

She recounted that the journey was never easy. From choosing the right books for the right audience and psychology, finding funding, to figuring out how to get the children to truly read and truly absorb the books – each step required effort and patience.

"Books only cover one-third of the journey. The most difficult thing is to make children love reading and understand books," Ms. Hien shared.

During her travels, she observed that some libraries were merely empty rooms with stained walls, a musty smell, and only a few bookshelves. Others were dusty, covered in cobwebs, and tucked away next to restrooms... And then there were schools with grandiose libraries, but their content was "empty" and unsuitable for the children.

According to her, books are a way for children to see the world, to "travel" to places they've never seen before, a place to nurture goodness and learn to love, and to dare to dream big. Therefore, reading books is always of great significance to young children.

All of this is documented in her book " Travel to the Fullest, So That Your Life Is Not Wasted " - a collection of stories from her journey of "carrying books" to children in disadvantaged areas. Despite setbacks along the way, driven by the belief that "a timely book can change a child's life," Ms. Hien persevered.

"Reading books doesn't guarantee wealth, but if you don't read, you'll be poor: poor in ideals, poor in dreams, poor in aspirations," she emphasized.

Carrying books means carrying hope.

Speaking at the book launch, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - founder of the House of Wisdom and the Charitable Bookcase - expressed his admiration for Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien's 10-year journey of philanthropy.

He said that although he had only read two-thirds of the book, the stories in it had deeply moved him, because it was not only a journey of bringing books to children in disadvantaged areas, but also a journey of sowing the seeds of knowledge and awakening aspirations in the hearts of young children.

According to Mr. Tuan, the work Ms. Hien is doing is "one of the most arduous jobs in the world" because it requires not only strength and time, but also unwavering faith and boundless love.

"It was a tremendous effort, not only from a dedicated teacher but also from a woman with extraordinary willpower and a compassionate heart," he expressed.

The book "Travel to the fullest so that your life is not wasted"

Mr. Le Hoang, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, shared that he had the opportunity to accompany Ms. Hien on trips to remote areas to donate books to students.

Only by seeing it firsthand can one fully appreciate what she wrote in the book, and understand the circumstances of students in disadvantaged areas who do not have access to libraries of knowledge.

He believes that each of Ms. Hien's trips is not simply an activity of donating books, but a meticulous and dedicated process of preparation - from selecting books suitable for each age group, soliciting sponsorships, to connecting with schools, localities, and teachers, all carried out by Ms. Hien with unwavering dedication.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Van, head of the Literature Department at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, shared that what impressed her most when reading Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien's book was the illustrations and title, which perfectly reflect the style of an exemplary, dedicated, and innovative teacher.

She not only taught literacy but also taught moral values. For Ms. Van, reading each page of the book brought back memories of a compassionate teacher who always listened, understood, and instilled positive life values ​​in her students.

"In a changing society, Ms. Hien reminds us that the teaching profession requires not only talent but also compassion," Ms. Van said.

LAKE OF SUGAR

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dung-de-thu-vien-thanh-noi-phui-bui-20251005130109511.htm