Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21)

Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21): Origins and Meaning

April 21 annually is Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, officially established under Decision No. 1862/QD-TTg dated November 4, 2021, by the Prime Minister. This event builds on and elevates Vietnam Book Day, which had been recognized since 2014, aiming to affirm the role of books in social life and promote reading movements in the community.

What is the background of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day?

On February 25, 2014, the Prime Minister signed a decision designating April 21 annually as Vietnam Book Day. The initial purpose was to encourage and develop reading movements, raise public awareness of the immense significance of reading for improving knowledge, skills, thinking, education, and character training. It also honored the value of books, affirmed their role and importance in social life, and honored readers and those involved in collecting, creating, publishing, printing, distributing, preserving, and promoting books.

On November 4, 2021, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1862/QD-TTg (signed by Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam), officially organizing Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on April 21 annually. This decision expanded the scope and raised requirements for developing reading culture, linked to building a learning society.

Why April 21?

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, April is when the book "Đường Cách Menh" (The Revolutionary Path) by President Ho Chi Minh was published, the first work in Vietnamese printed by Vietnamese printers. President Ho Chi Minh was a great author with far-reaching influence, and his works are valued not only by Vietnamese people but also welcomed by international friends. Choosing the Book Day associated with a famous work by him carries great and profound meaning.

Additionally, April is when World Book and Copyright Day (April 23) takes place. Organizing Vietnam Book Day on April 21 (before April 23) aims to connect with activities responding to World Book and Copyright Day, creating a rich and vibrant series of activities, demonstrating Vietnam's integration with the world.

What does Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day mean?

The day carries multiple layers of meaning:

• Affirming the position, role, and importance of books in improving knowledge, skills, thinking, education, and character training.
• Encouraging and developing reading movements in the community, creating favorable reading environments; forming reading habits in families, schools, agencies, and organizations; contributing to building a learning society.
• Honoring readers, authors, publishers, printers, distributors, libraries, and individuals and organizations contributing to reading culture development.
• Raising the responsibility of all levels, sectors, agencies, and social organizations in building and developing Vietnam's reading culture.

How is Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day celebrated?

Under Decision 1862/QD-TTg, the Ministry of Information and Communications chairs and coordinates with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to guide ministries, sectors, and provincial/municipal People's Committees to organize the day annually nationwide, ensuring practicality, effectiveness, and economy. Provincial/municipal People's Committees organize locally based on guidance. The Vietnam Publishers Association and Vietnam Library Association direct member organizations to hold responding activities. Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, and press agencies promote reading and reading culture development in the community.

Common activities include book fairs, exhibitions, author meet-and-greets, seminars on reading culture, book donations to libraries and schools, and launching reading movements in families and schools. These activities help bring books closer to the public, especially the younger generation.

Conclusion

Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day on April 21 is an occasion to reflect on the role of books in personal and social life. From the 2014 recognition of Vietnam Book Day to Decision 1862/QD-TTg in 2021, this day has become an annual cultural event, contributing to building reading habits and developing reading culture in the community.

Key milestones and events related to Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, April 21.