Helsinki (VNA) – The spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, Ngo Phuong Ly, and the spouse of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, visited the Helsinki Central Library Oodi on October 21.
The two ladies toured various spaces of the library, which is one of the most modern cultural establishments in Finland and considered a symbol of "open knowledge" and a creative community space for Helsinki residents.
Ly expressed her delight at visiting Oodi and noted that she is impressed with its layout and massive and modern document system.
She said that amid rapid science, technology, and media development, knowledge can be accessed via many platforms, but Oodi still upholds its mission – to be a centre of creativity, knowledge sharing, and community connection. She viewed this as a unique model for Vietnam to learn from.
The lady applauded the education policy and system of Finland, where books and knowledge are not only preserved but also spread, inspire creativity, and promote community development.
On this occasion, Ly presented Oodi with a "Vietnamese bookcase" which includes more than 120 selected books and nearly 160 Vietnamese and bilingual books. The publications focus on literature – arts, Vietnamese history and culture, contemporary Vietnam, children’s topics, and Vietnamese language.
The bookcase, the first Vietnamese-language reading corner in the Helsinki public library system, will be open free of charge to the public and the Vietnamese community in Finland.
Ly emphasised that the "Vietnamese bookcase" at the library is a vivid demonstration of Finland’s openness, respect for, and appreciation of cultural diversity.
She voiced her hope that in the future, there will be more similar spaces and cultural exchanges organised not only in Finland but also in many other countries where Vietnamese people live, and they will serve as sustainable “bridges of knowledge” helping nurture mutual understanding, respect, and friendship among nations.
For her part, the spouse of the Finnish President said the "Vietnamese bookcase" holds special significance as it contributes to the understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries./.
