“Vietnam Book Day” will be celebrated on April 21 every year from this year on, as a way to honour the value of books as well as their role and importance in social life.

According to a decision issued by the Prime Minister on February 25, the annual event aims to encourage and develop reading in the community, while raising the public’s awareness of the significance of books as not only a source of knowledge but as a way to develop one’s thought and personality.

The event is also a chance to appreciate the efforts of those who are involved in book publicising such as book collectors, writers, publishers and distributors, it said.

The day will contribute to raising the responsibility of ministries, sectors and social organisations towards the building and promotion of the reading culture in Vietnam, said the decision.

The Prime Minister also assigned the Minister of Information and Communications in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the local authorities of cities and provinces nationwide to carry out the event in a practical and effective manner.-VNA