The library has played a pivotal role in promoting reading culture through a range of practical and innovative programmes. These include upgrading library infrastructure, organising large-scale reading events, and introducing books to a wider audience across diverse communities.
One of its most prominent activities is the “Reading Culture Ambassador” contest, organised annually in collaboration with local departments and agencies. Since its launch in 2019, the contest has attracted hundreds of thousands of students and has become a key platform to inspire reading among the youth.
According to Nguyen Dac Hong, Director of the Bac Giang Provincial Library, the contest not only encourages students to read but also enables them to share insights gained from books, thereby contributing to the wider reading culture. In 2024, nearly 105,000 entries from 303 schools were submitted—2.5 times higher than the previous year—demonstrating the contest's growing appeal.
Beyond competitions, the library has introduced a range of outreach activities, such as mobile book services, book donations, and free library card distribution, particularly targeting remote and disadvantaged areas. Since 2018, over 16,000 books have been donated across the province. Regular exhibitions, themed talks, and document displays have also attracted strong public engagement.
These efforts have positioned the library not only as a centre of knowledge but also as a bridge connecting books with the wider community. The province’s network now comprises one provincial library, 10 district-level libraries, 60 commune libraries, and more than 600 community bookcases. Additionally, over 500 school libraries and classroom reading corners house more than three million book titles.
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| On behalf of the Prime Minister, Truong Quang Hai, Director of the Bac Giang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presents a Certificate of Merit to Nguyen Dac Hong, Director of Bac Giang Library, in 2024. |
The Bac Giang Library has also supported the establishment of model libraries at significant cultural and historical sites, including the Library at the Memorial Site of President Ho Chi Minh’s six teachings for the Public Security Forces, the Library at the Temple of Doctor Than Nhan Trung, and the Library at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. A new library at the Safety Zone II Historical Site in Hiep Hoa is currently under development.
Since 2019, over 347,000 students have participated in the “Reading Culture Ambassador” competition, with 174 prizes awarded at the provincial level. Bac Giang has also achieved notable results in the national rounds. In 2021, Nguyen Son Long from Than Nhan Trung Secondary School (Viet Yen District) won first prize with a video presentation. In 2022, Nguyen Hoang Mai from Yen Dung High School No. 3 secured third prize with the work 'The Sorrow of War'. In 2024, the same school was recognised for submitting the highest number of entries and for having the most prize-winning participants.
Grassroots initiatives have also contributed to the province’s reading movement. Many residents have voluntarily set up community bookshelves, such as the 'Canh Cam Bookshelf' in Bac Giang City and a home reading space maintained by Dong Thi Lieu in Tan Yen District. Ngo Nam Khanh, founder of the 'Canh Cam Bookshelf', said he wanted to share useful books with the younger generation and found meaning in seeing young readers actively engage with literature.
Bac Giang Library has received multiple honours for its contributions. Since 2018, it has been awarded five Certificates of Merit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Provincial People’s Committee. It has also earned two Emulation Flags and a Reading Culture Award. In 2024, its director was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Prime Minister.
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| Bac Giang Library wins the First Prize at the National Library Staff Competition for promoting the development of reading culture in 2024. |
Looking ahead, the province plans to expand reading promotion efforts, especially in underserved areas. Library card issuance, mobile libraries, and creative contests will continue to be key components of this drive.
Director Nguyen Dac Hong affirmed the library’s commitment to making reading a fundamental part of daily life, stating: “Every book opens a door to knowledge. The library would continue to accompany the community in building a culture of lifelong learning.”
