Opposite the gate of the University of Education - Da Nang University (Hoa Khanh ward, Da Nang city), there are still old bookstores with a diverse selection of books, quietly bearing the marks of the comings and goings of book lovers.
Le Quoc Vu, a former student of the University of Education - Da Nang University, said that around 2015, he often bought used books and textbooks at reasonable prices at the used bookstores opposite the school. For hard-to-find books, he just left his phone number. When the books were available, the shop owner would call him to pick them up, and almost always he got the exact books he needed.
"Every time I step into a used bookstore, it's a tranquil experience, with its unique scent of old paper, like touching the memories and knowledge of many generations of readers," shared Mr. Vu.
According to Dr. Dam Nghia Hieu, lecturer at the University of Education - Da Nang University: "The university environment greatly needs intellectual spaces such as bookstores, especially used bookstores - where books that are no longer reprinted or are difficult to find in new bookstores are still preserved."
Universities not only train professionals but also impart knowledge, and secondhand bookstores contribute to the unique character of the university environment. Losing these bookstores would be a great loss, not just a matter of regret.
According to our investigation, the used bookstores around this area have existed for decades, closely associated with the lives of students and residents of Da Nang for many generations.
Especially for many postgraduate students from other localities studying in Da Nang, they frequently visit this area to find specialized books and used materials. They often refer to the used bookstores around the university by the familiar name "Da Nang University of Education's Used Book Village" as a distinctive landmark.
In recent years, the number of customers visiting used bookstores has decreased significantly. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, owner of Nhan Tri used bookstore, said: "My family has run this bookstore for 20 years. Although reading culture has changed a lot now, with readers having many more ways to access books through various means, I still choose to sell books."
Despite facing many difficulties, according to Ms. Hoa, the knowledge from books is invaluable. And in order to survive, the store has added stationery and textbooks to sell.
Nhan Tri Bookstore is one of the few that has managed to survive amidst the many changes in life and people's reading culture. However, the worry about whether to continue in the profession remains a constant concern for Mrs. Hoa and other used booksellers like her.
In reality, the inventory of used books is increasing, while sales are shrinking. Many books are imported but sales are slow, causing used bookstores in the area to face business difficulties. Quite a few shops have had to close, switching to photocopying and printing services, keeping only a small stall selling used books as a familiar remaining part of their business.
For Pham Van Quan, a student majoring in Literature Education, if the used bookstores around the university gradually disappear, the student experience will lack a leisurely learning space that fosters reading habits, reflection, and the preservation of student memories.
Old bookstores on the fringes of urban memory remain excellent reading destinations worth a visit.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-hieu-sach-cu-ben-le-ky-uc-do-thi-post938240.html
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