Recently, a delegation comprising leaders from the Central Commission for Communication and Education and the Central Commission for Mass Mobilisation; the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution; and the Viet Nam Publishers Association visited and shared views on the exhibition space.
The first-floor exhibition area of the National Book Awards is designed as an open space welcoming natural light, creating a friendly atmosphere that encourages readers to pause and pick up any book to read, converse, and seek inspiration.
Nominated titles in this year’s “Readers’ Favourite Books” category are placed inside large glass display tables. Each book is presented with formality, allowing readers to easily access and explore the content. Alongside them, winning titles from previous years are arranged in glass cabinets along the walkway, creating a “journey of memory” that allows viewers to visualise the award’s development and the diversity of Vietnamese knowledge over the years.
According to the organisers, visitors to the Book Lounge can borrow books to read on-site. There is a quiet space for those who need concentration, an open area for conversations, and an event space for book launches, discussions and exchanges. Each table contains a QR code enabling readers to order drinks without leaving their seats — a small convenience that contributes to a seamless experience between the coffee shop and the open library.
Director of the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution Nguyen Nguyen shared: “From this space, one can clearly sense the spirit of bookmaking infused into every activity. Readers can genuinely feel that books have become a vibrant part of the community.”
According to him, one of the most important tasks of the publishing industry today is to re-establish society’s habit of receiving knowledge, especially in the context that social media and entertainment platforms are taking up much of young people’s time. Displaying books in an open space that helps readers access them naturally is a step that deserves encouragement.
The National Book Award is a state-level prize, presented annually under the direction of the Central Commission for Communication and Education and the Central Commission for Mass Mobilisation, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism serving as the managing and operating body. Its implementation is coordinated by Viet Nam Television, the Viet Nam Publishers Association, and the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution.
It is the most prestigious award in Viet Nam’s publishing sector, recognising works of outstanding value in content, knowledge, culture and social contribution. Submitted books are categorised into various groups, including politics–society, science–technology, culture–arts, and children’s books, and this year continues to maintain the “Readers’ Favourite Books” category so that readers’ voices directly contribute to the results.
Compared to previous years, this year the exhibition has been moved to the ground floor and fully opened to the public. This was proposed by Pham Minh Tuan, Chair of the Viet Nam Publishers Association, with the aim to bring books closer to everyday life so that anyone can drop by, browse, read, talk, and cultivate an interest in reading.
Promoting reading culture is not only the responsibility of regulatory bodies but also of the school system, families, social organisations and every citizen. Each book read is a small but meaningful step in nurturing the community’s intellect and soul. Fully opening the exhibition space helps readers, especially young people, better understand the value of each book, thereby encouraging greater responsibility towards knowledge and their own reading habits.
