Ms. Hoang Thi Kim Oanh, Director of the Thua Thien Hue General Library

Ms. Oanh observed: Many readers, primarily young people, have used online reading applications to maintain their love of books. This is also how young people access books and reading culture in today's digital age.

So, Madam, regarding the library, what innovations have been implemented over the years in attracting readers in general and promoting a reading culture in particular?

Over the years, in addition to focusing on supplementing high-quality materials and investing in physical equipment, we have paid attention to understanding the reading needs of our readers in order to build our collection and organize services accordingly.

We also focus on rearranging, renovating, and expanding the reading room space, organizing online card issuance, enhancing innovation and creativity in serving readers, and promoting and spreading reading culture among all segments of the population. In particular, we employ different methods and models of communication depending on the reader group, aiming to create favorable conditions for readers to access more information.

Could you elaborate on the changes towards digital technology to better serve our readers?

To keep up with the reading trends in today's digital age, in addition to innovating, diversifying, and improving the quality of our services to attract readers to the library, we are focusing on building an "electronic library." This includes prioritizing the digitization of materials and regularly updating information in our specialized library software system to serve readers' online research needs.

Readers can access materials in the library's digitized electronic catalogs and read books online through the library's online reading channels. Additionally, during national events and holidays, we create video clips on social media platforms introducing specialized books and new books available at the library to promote the event and introduce relevant books to readers.

On the other hand, to promote the development of reading culture, we maintain and innovate activities to develop reading culture in the community, and strengthen reading promotion activities. Every year, we proactively coordinate with various units to organize activities related to books such as Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, Book Festival, Reading Culture Ambassador competitions, online book introductions, book-based drawing competitions, book quizzes, book presentation and introduction competitions, book-based storytelling, and seminars introducing new books… At the same time, we always focus on innovating the methods of "fun reading, fun learning" to create a friendly playground, especially for children and students.

Books still retain their unique value, and continue to exist in an irreplaceable position and place.

From both a professional perspective and personal observation, what have you noticed about young people's reading habits recently?

In the digital age, I've noticed that young readers are increasingly focusing on using various forms of technology to maintain their passion for reading. Beyond traditional paper books, digital technology has greatly assisted young people today, and this, of course, contributes to the development of reading culture.

In recent years, book fairs have been held more frequently, and they are always crowded with readers, mostly young people, who come to read and buy books at the stalls. In large cities, book streets and book cafes are also popular with young readers. Young people are also actively participating in reading promotion activities, organizing many community reading spots in parks and schools... This shows that young readers are also very interested in traditional paper books, and reading culture is gradually making a comeback.

However, there are still quite a few young people and children who haven't developed a reading habit. In your opinion, what are the reasons for this?

Children today dislike reading for several reasons. Firstly, the allure of smart electronic devices and tablets, offering entertainment like online games and cartoons, draws children in and leaves them with little time for reading. Secondly, in some families, parents and older generations are increasingly less interested in guiding children to explore and read on their own. Thirdly, physical books are becoming less appealing and less engaging for children compared to electronic devices like phones, iPads, and televisions. Fourthly, children are often afraid and feel pressured by their parents' expectations that they will read to become successful individuals.

Children enjoy reading in the children's space inside the Thua Thien Hue General Library.

Above all, one of the main reasons children dislike reading is that their parents haven't instilled a reading habit in them from a young age, which is also a very important factor.

So where should we begin instilling a love of reading in children?

To instill a reading habit in children, we first need to understand why some children are not interested in reading. Parents should help children access books and develop a reading habit from a young age, viewing reading as a positive activity. If children understand that reading is beneficial and develop this habit from an early age, they will find time to read even when they are busy as adults.

It's important to create a comfortable reading space for children. At home, there should be a small bookshelf or a dedicated bookcase for children's books and magazines so they can easily access them. Understand your children's reading preferences, avoid putting pressure on them, and encourage them to read a variety of books. You should also set a good example by reading regularly and reading with your children. The whole family should read together, and parents should cultivate reading skills in their children.

So, does this mean that developing a reading culture is crucial and must begin within the family?

Currently, many young children lack the reading habit mentioned above, partly due to family influence. When parents and other adults in the family don't have a habit of reading or reading with their children, the children won't develop a reading habit or interest. If your child never sees their parents reading, it's very difficult to force them to read. Therefore, if you want your child to read, you must be a role model. If children frequently see their parents reading, they are more likely to pick up a book and read on their own.

If parents don't guide children towards appropriate activities like reading, the risk of children overusing digital devices is very high. Therefore, family members need to discuss reading and the content of the books they are reading. When parents and adults in the family guide children to read good books with positive content, and read together to create interest in reading, it will greatly benefit the development of children's thinking and personality in the future.

Reading can improve children's language expression and stimulate their communication skills, broaden their horizons and knowledge, and enhance their intelligence, emotions, and creativity. A passion for reading helps children develop into good people who are beneficial to the community and society. Simultaneously, it's important to create opportunities for children to participate in activities that promote reading culture within the community, such as book clubs and groups, to provide them with a close, friendly, and healthy environment for reading.

Thank you for the conversation!

Nhat Minh (Editor)