A week-long festival celebrating the 2nd annual Vietnam Book Day began at Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi on April 17.

As many as 150 stalls from 100 publishers and distributors welcome readers with a wide-range of books sold at discounted rates.

The festival also features 30 workshops and talk shows, including presentations of national anniversary-themed books, the book business in Vietnam and national cultural heritages such as ancient Vietnamese writing, among others.

Books will be the centre of attention through the end of April, as a string of events are set to be launched in libraries, schools, headquarters of state agencies and organisations across the country.

April 21 was designated Vietnam Book Day by the Prime Minister in 2014.

Aimed to encourage reading in the community, the annual event looks to raise public awareness of books as not only a source of knowledge but also a way to develop one’s thinking and personality.

The event also presents a chance to appreciate the efforts of those involved in book development, such as collectors, writers, publishers and distributors.

The observance of the event will contribute to raising the responsibility of ministries, sectors and social organisations towards promoting reading in Vietnam.-VNA