The Vietnam Book Day will be celebrated for the first time this yearwith many organisations and businesses nationwide expected to join inactivities promoting the habit of reading.

Chu Van Hoa, Directorof the Department of Publication under the Ministry of Information andCommunications, said at a meeting on March 17 that a range of activitieshave been planned for the day, from book exhibitions, fairs and forumsto book collection for disadvantaged children and rural libraries.

April 21 was designated as the Vietnam Book Day under Decision284/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on February 24 this year.

The annual event aims to encourage and develop reading in thecommunity, while raising the public’s awareness of the significance ofbooks as not only a source of knowledge but as a way to develop one’sthought and personality.

Theevent is also a chance to appreciate the efforts of those who areinvolved in book publishing such as book collectors, writers, publishersand distributors, the decision said.

The observance of the day will contribute to raising theresponsibility of ministries, sectors and social organisations towardsthe building and promotion of the reading culture in Vietnam.-VNA