Hà Nội’s new book street attracts 20,000 visitors in first 15 days

HA NOI — The first-ever book street in central Ha Noi has attracted around 20,000 visitors within 15 days of opening, said Dinh Hong Phong, vice-chairman of the city’s People’s Committee.

The street, which is packed with people in the evenings and on weekends, sees a wide variety of visitors, from young children and the elderly, to foreigners.

Reading activities organised in the street especially have attracted a remarkably high number of visitors. Among the events that have been held so far are the seminar Giao Duc Viet Nam Hoc Duoc Gi Tu Van Hoa Nhat (What Viet Nam’s Education Learns from Japan’s Culture), organised by Vietnam Women’s Publishing House to introduce writer Nguyen Quoc Vuong’s books, and the introduction of Harry Porter by Youth Publishing House.

There are plans to organise reading activities more regularly to increase the number of visitors to the street.

The local authority is drawing up rules to manage Ha Noi’s book street, and these will be implemented soon, Phong added.

The city’s People Committee is also considering installing a weather-proof system before summer hits its peak.

A website on Ha Noi’s book street is also under construction, to reach out to more people and share information about the activities and events planned there.

The book street is expected to attract a lot of tourists, like the pedestrian zone around Sword Lake.

Stretching along 200 metres of December 19 Street in Ha Noi’s Hoan Kiem District, it has 16 booths with easy access for people with disabilities, children and the elderly. The area includes a small square where people can meet and attend events and talks, and has free Wifi and water. — VNS