The folds hold their shape for a long time.

As a sudden downpour swept across the city, the owner of the used bookstore hurriedly extended the awning to prevent water from splashing onto the stacks of yellowed books. Though seemingly old, these books were the passion of many generations, including young people.

Passion from the past

With the development of e-commerce platforms and changes in readers' information access habits, the culture of buying and collecting used books is no longer as popular as it once was. Used book streets are becoming increasingly rare, with only a few scattered shops quietly tucked away behind modern establishments.

Inside the simple sign was a miniature bookstore, with "walls" of books reaching almost to the ceiling, and narrow aisles winding between rows of shelves. Barely visible were boards categorizing the books: Vietnamese Literature, Foreign Literature, Art, Philosophy, Medicine, Foreign Languages...

Sitting in the middle of the bookstore was the owner, well past middle age, his eyes scanning the words in an old book. It was both his means of business and his special companion. From one book to the next, except when customers were browsing, the owner would meticulously examine each title.

They also spend a lot of time checking the quality, dusting, and organizing their enormous book collection. This meticulousness and dedication helps the shop owner know their books by heart, making it easy to advise customers whenever needed.

Customers have to use a ladder to find the book they need.

Although not as bustling as before, old bookstores still see a few, sometimes dozens, of customers visiting each day. These "book enthusiasts" include elderly people, middle-aged individuals, and young people. Readers who enter old bookstores all have their own reasons. It could be a hobby passed down from grandparents or parents, a desire to collect a book no longer in print, an expectation of unique experiences, or simply curiosity whenever they pass by the store.

Phuong Vy (25 years old, residing in Cho Quan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “I started buying used books when I was in middle school, around 9th grade. At that time, I was engrossed in reading a series of books, but I was missing a few volumes. The series was no longer sold, so I went to a used bookstore to look for them. The first time I went with the shop owner to search through stacks of books, although tiring, I was very happy and have been attached to used books ever since. Now, I no longer go to bookstores just to find the book I need, but to touch the old books, and from there, I suddenly know what I'm looking for.”

Emotional connection

Each used bookstore offers readers a unique feeling: a quiet space with the gentle hum of a fan, the faint scent of old books..., in contrast to the noisy and dusty street right in front. At the bookstores side-by-side on Tran Nhan Ton Street (An Dong Ward), around noon, a few students come to buy books.

Ha Trang (21 years old, a student at the University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “Every time I come here, I experience a feeling of discovery. This place gives me a nostalgic feeling, making me want to be calm and think slowly.”

There are many reasons why used books still retain a loyal customer base. For popular titles, or those not used frequently, such as magazines and textbooks, buying used books is a fairly economical option. Additionally, many people turn to used books to purchase out-of-print titles, find special editions, or add missing books to their existing collections.

In addition, the value of used books also depends on their rarity. Some books have become collector's items and are highly sought after. Therefore, each customer has their own criteria for choosing used books.

When held in the hands of a reader, a book not only evokes emotions but also subtly preserves those emotions on each page. These are the pen marks, notes, dedications, or whimsical drawings on the margins. For many, these details even make the book more precious.

"When I hold a book bearing the mark of someone who came before me, I can't help but wonder how they felt reading these words, whether they felt the same joy or sadness as I do," Phương Vy shared.

Currently, some used bookstores are using social media to promote books and reach customers. This contributes to expanding the book market and attracting more young people. It can be seen that, despite changing social trends, there are always people who understand and appreciate the value of time that used books bring.

GRACE

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-nep-gap-giu-tron-thoi-gian-post827435.html