LAUNCHING CEREMONY
“VĂN MIẾU – QUỐC TỬ GIÁM READING CULTURE SPACE”
On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), on the afternoon of August 18, 2025, the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám organized the Launching Ceremony of the “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Reading Culture Space.”
This is an open library model providing free access to the community, aiming to promote reading culture, nurture a love for books, and contribute to building and encouraging a spirit of lifelong learning.
Attending the ceremony were:
- Mr. Phạm Định Phong – Deputy Director General of the Department of Cultural Heritage;
- Ms. Bạch Liên Hương – Member of the Hanoi Party Committee, Party Secretary, and Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports;
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Trụ – Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association;
- Dr. Nguyễn Viết Chức – Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Thăng Long Institute of Cultural Studies;
- Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu – Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám; together with journalists, publishers, and cultural representatives.
With nearly 1,000 book titles donated by sponsoring units such as: Hanoi Publishing House, Kim Đồng Publishing House, Women’s Publishing House, Thiếu niên Tiền phong & Nhi đồng Newspaper, Huy Hoàng Book Company, Thái Hà Book Company, Tri Thức Trẻ Books & Media, along with a large number of circulating books from the Hanoi Cultural Center and Library. Notably, the highlight of this collection is the “Thăng Long – 1,000 Years of Civilization” book series published by Hanoi Publishing House.
This space connects readers with heritage, knowledge, and community—becoming a cultural rendezvous point that links young generations with traditional values, spreading a love of books, a passion for learning, and a deep appreciation of heritage.
In addition, the “Reading Culture Space” also aims to enhance the value of Hồ Văn (the Literature Lake), creating a long-term highlight for book-related exchanges and experiences. This is also the first step toward transforming Hồ Văn into the first distinctive public reading space located at a Special National Relic, as well as becoming a true “knowledge playground” of the capital. Alongside heritage experience activities held here, it is envisioned that Hồ Văn will gradually develop into a cultural hub of Hanoi with diverse cultural and creative industry products, attracting both local residents and visitors.
The “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Reading Culture Space” serves the public free of charge—welcoming everyone from students and youth to the elderly, tourists, and the local community around the heritage site. Each book is a seed of knowledge, sowing learning for both the present and the future, continuing the stream of wisdom passed down from ancient times to today.
Ms. Bạch Liên Hương – Member of the Hanoi Party Committee, Party Secretary, and Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports – presented beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers to the sponsors.
Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu – Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám – shared insights about the operational model of the “Reading Culture Space.”
Ms. Phạm Thùy Dương – Deputy General Director of Hanoi Publishing House – on behalf of the sponsoring organizations, delivered a speech and shared about the noble and humanitarian gestures at the Launching Ceremony.
The sudden shower did not dampen the atmosphere of the ceremony.
The Organizing Committee, together with representatives of the sponsoring publishers, performed the Inauguration Ceremony of the “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Reading Culture Space.”
The Inauguration Ceremony of the “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Reading Culture Space” concluded successfully. This space marks an important beginning in connecting knowledge with the community, contributing to transforming Hồ Văn into a true “playground of knowledge” for the Capital.
The “Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Reading Culture Space” welcomes everyone – from pupils and students to the elderly, tourists, and local residents – to enjoy on-site reading, completely free of charge.
The “Thăng Long – 1,000 Years of Civilization” book series by Hanoi Publishing House is the highlight of the Reading Culture Space.
The bookcases are designed in the style inspired by the Doctoral Steles at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, carrying profound symbolism, likened to a precious chronicle and a treasury of the nation’s knowledge.
The Children’s Bookcase – a world of its own for young readers.
Translator: BP
