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| The children's reading room at the Thai Nguyen Provincial Library - Bac Kan ward branch - attracts a large number of children during the summer. |
A meeting place for many generations.
In the early days of summer, the blue house located in Group 7, Bac Kan Ward, becomes busier than usual. From early morning, many parents bring their children to get library cards. There are also elderly men with gray hair slowly parking their bikes in the yard and walking straight to their familiar newspaper racks.
Each person comes here for a different purpose. Children look for good books for their summer vacation, students take advantage of the time to review for exams, and the elderly read newspapers and keep up with current events. All of this has contributed to the renewed vitality of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Library in Bac Kan ward – a cultural institution that had previously raised concerns about its ability to continue operating after the local administrative reorganization.
Arriving at the children's reading room on a weekday morning, we could clearly feel the lively atmosphere. In front of the room, small pairs of slippers were neatly arranged. Inside, the children were engrossed in assembling puzzles, playing and spelling out words in picture books.
In another corner, two boys were engrossed in a game of chess, while a group of elementary school students excitedly selected new storybooks from the bookshelves.
In particular, that day a group of young people came to socialize, dividing into small groups to read and chat with the children. Laughter mixed with the sound of turning pages created a lively atmosphere, quite different from the usual quietness of the library.
Holding his favorite book in his hands, Ho Minh Dat, from Group 8, Bac Kan Ward, excitedly shared: "Since the summer break, my dad has been taking me to the library regularly. I like reading books and playing chess the most. I really enjoy coming here."
In contrast to the bustling atmosphere on the first floor, the second floor of the library exudes a quiet, focused ambiance. Rows of study desks are almost fully occupied, laden with reference books, study guides, and laptops. Many graduating students are using every hour to prepare for important exams.
Nong Thien Huong, a 12th-grade student specializing in Literature, said: "Since the new facility opened, I've been coming to the library to study regularly. The quiet atmosphere and abundant resources help me study more effectively. Besides, seeing everyone around me focused on studying gives me more motivation to try harder."
Huong hopes that in the future the library will organize more reading clubs and book introduction activities so that students have the opportunity to interact, learn, and spread their love of reading.
Recognizing the practical benefits that libraries offer, more and more parents are choosing them as a summer destination for their children.
Ms. Hoang Thi Minh Ruc, from Bac Kan ward, said: "When I learned that the library had opened at a new location, I often brought my children here. The library is spacious, has a diverse collection of books, and a quiet environment. The children can both read books and socialize with friends. This is truly a beneficial place during the summer."
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| Mr. Nguyen Van Yen (Duc Xuan ward) maintains the habit of reading books and newspapers at the library every day. |
For Mr. Nguyen Van Yen, born in 1937, joy is simpler. At nearly 90 years old, he still maintains the habit of reading newspapers every day. Sitting beside a stack of new newspapers, he recounted how he once worried when he heard about the reorganization of administrative units.
"I used to wonder how the library would operate. For elderly people like us, books and newspapers are indispensable intellectual nourishment. Now that we have a new, spacious library and can read newspapers regularly, we are very excited," Mr. Yen shared.
A cultural destination where people rediscover their rhythm of life.
Few people know that, before reaching its current state, the library's operations went through a period of significant upheaval. After reorganizing its structure and facilities, finding a stable location to continue serving the public became an urgent necessity.
Following the province's policy, the Library was assigned to take over the former headquarters of the Bac Kan Provincial Youth Union. After taking over, the unit proceeded to renovate the facilities, rearrange the functional rooms, organize the book collection, and build a reading space specifically for children.
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| Young people read books with children in the library's reading room. |
On May 12, 2026, the library officially opened its doors to readers. Spanning over 413 square meters, the library comprises four functional rooms: a children's room, a newspaper and magazine room, a reading and lending room for adults, and an internet room. Currently, the library has over 24,000 titles with more than 100,000 copies, meeting the learning, research, and entertainment needs of the public.
The effectiveness of this cultural institution was quickly confirmed by concrete figures. In less than a month of operation, from May 12th to June 7th, 2026, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Library in Bac Kan ward welcomed nearly 6,000 readers, averaging over 270 visitors per day. In addition, more than 630 new reader cards were issued.
These figures show that the people's need for access to knowledge, learning spaces, reading areas, and cultural activities remains very high. This also clearly demonstrates that the reorganization of administrative units does not eliminate an important cultural institution; on the contrary, it creates conditions for the unit to receive investment and develop more effectively.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, a librarian, shared: "Our greatest joy is seeing more and more readers coming to the library. Having a stable operating facility creates favorable conditions for the unit to organize book introduction activities, develop reading culture, and better serve the community."
After the changes, the Library has now regained its vibrant life. From a renovated old building, it is gradually becoming a familiar cultural space for the people. And for a cultural institution, that is its most enduring and meaningful value.
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202606/hieu-qua-tu-mot-thiet-che-van-hoa-810789f/
