Book Day and Reading Culture 2025: Entering the era of national growth with books

Maintaining knowledge “roots” in the wave of technology

In the wave of strong development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, many traditional fields have undergone significant changes. Reading culture - one of the core factors for building knowledge and cultivating thinking, is no exception to that trend. In recent years, the application of AI and online learning platforms has profoundly changed the way people approach knowledge.

In Vietnam, this is clearly demonstrated through the increasingly popular appearance of smart learning support tools, applications that synthesize and analyze information instantly. These platforms provide a wide source of knowledge, constantly updated, contributing to optimizing learning and research efficiency. Along with that convenience are concerns about the risk of traditional books gradually being "ignored". However, reality shows the opposite: reading culture is not declining but is gradually reshaping, adapting and going hand in hand with technology.

Printed books, although somewhat slower, still play a special role in the process of forming and developing deep thinking, critical thinking and systematizing knowledge. Reading paper books is not simply about receiving information, but also an emotional journey, a silent interaction between the reader and the author's thoughts. That is something that technology, no matter how modern, can hardly replace. Maintaining that slow and profound rhythm is a way for each person to equip themselves with the ability to analyze, select and evaluate information - something that is increasingly important in an era where information is shared hastily and concisely.

Besides paper books, another prominent trend is also reshaping reading culture - the development of audiobooks. In today's busy life, audiobooks have become a close companion of many people. With the advantages of being easily accessible, convenient and being able to be combined while working, moving or resting, audiobooks are gradually winning the hearts of the public of all ages.

The domestic audiobook market has witnessed growth in both quantity and quality, with the participation of many platforms such as Fonos, Voiz FM or Bookas. The form of expression is also more invested, from emotional reading voices to sound integration, role-playing... bringing a vivid listening experience, almost like a radio play. For many people, this is not only an alternative solution when there is no time to read books, but also a new way to approach and enjoy literary works, non-fiction or self-development books.

The combination of technology and reading culture is also reflected in the increasingly improved artificial intelligence (AI) voices. Although they cannot completely replace real people in genres that require a lot of emotions such as novels, short stories or stage plays, AI voices are especially effective in highly informative content such as scientific documents, manuals or skill books. The application of AI helps shorten production time, reduce costs, thereby expanding the number of audiobooks and increasing accessibility for listeners.

However, audiobooks should not and cannot completely replace traditional reading. Instead, audiobooks should be seen as a supplementary form, helping to diversify the reading experience, supporting access to knowledge in more flexible ways. Listeners can do housework while absorbing valuable ideas; or simply find mental relaxation in stories told through words. Not only a form of learning, audiobooks also become a place to preserve cultural memories. For those who are far from home or living abroad, the Vietnamese voice from books associated with memories of their homeland can be a source of comfort, connection and companionship during the days away from home.

In the journey of sustainable development of reading culture, technology should not be considered as an opponent of books, but as a tool, a companion if used properly.

Digital transformation promotes smart reading culture

For generations, reading has been an indispensable part of people's spiritual life. The tradition of honoring books and knowledge has a long history, as evidenced by the "Reading Festival" that appeared more than 80 years ago in Spain, a meaningful event that later spread throughout the world and was officially recognized by UNESCO as World Book and Copyright Day on April 23 every year.

Technology is not a rival to books, but a companion tool if used properly. (Illustration: Investment Newspaper)

Vietnam has always emphasized the role of reading culture. Recognizing this importance, the Government issued a decision to designate April 21 every year as Vietnam Book Day (now Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day), with the desire to arouse and develop the reading movement in the community, raising awareness of the great significance of reading for the comprehensive development of each individual and the whole society.

In the context of the digital age reshaping all aspects of life, Vietnam has proactively implemented many innovative activities to maintain and develop a reading culture in a smart and effective way. In recent years, to further promote the value of books, publishers, printers and distributors have proactively transformed and harmoniously combined readers' habits in choosing books, bringing books closer to them through the digital environment. A notable trend is the gradual shift in readers' approach from printed books to e-books. According to statistics, the country currently has 31 e-publishers, accounting for 54% of publishers, 27 e-distributors; with a significant increase in the number of e-books, audiobooks and especially multimedia interactive books. If in 2015, the whole country only had more than 1,000 e-books published, by 2023, the whole industry had up to 4,600 e-books published.

Some publishers have also partnered with technology companies to build modern e-publishing software and operating systems to apply to most stages of the publishing and distribution process. In addition, in many localities, provincial libraries flexibly organize exhibitions and online book fairs on technology platforms; in-person book fairs combined with online ones; book fairs with cashless payments; promote books and reading culture on electronic newspaper columns, social networks, etc. Reading applications such as Waka and Fonos have used AI technology to suggest books suitable for personal interests, analyze reading behavior, helping millions of users optimize time and improve reading efficiency.

Realizing the importance of maintaining and developing a reading culture in the digital age, Vietnam has implemented many innovative activities, in line with the digital transformation trend to encourage the reading community. Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2025 especially emphasizes the messages "Reading Culture - Connecting the Community", "Entering the era of national growth with books", "Reading books enriches knowledge, nurtures aspirations, promotes innovation and creativity". According to information from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the implementation of activities of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day 2025 is associated with the implementation of political tasks and major holidays of the country, sectors and localities; promoting the value of books and reading culture in the community; determining the responsibilities of all levels, sectors and localities for developing a reading culture.

In addition to traditional activities such as exhibitions, storytelling, seminars, honoring outstanding authors and readers, Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day encourages the promotion of technology solutions in spreading reading culture. Seminars on the trend of reading e-books, audiobooks, interactive books, etc. are widely held. Many libraries and publishers have used AI, virtual reality and digital platforms to organize online book fairs, guide reading skills, introduce new books and build online reading communities on platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet. These initiatives help remove geographical barriers, expand the scope of interaction, thereby contributing to the strong development of reading culture in the community.

Do Trang

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/ngay-sach-va-van-hoa-doc-nam-2025-cung-sach-buoc-vao-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-post545857.html