The initiative responds to the fifth Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, organized by the Vietnam Journalists Association (Southern Office) in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports and the Vietnam Publishers Association.

Con Dao is a place deeply connected to the nation's revolutionary struggle history. According to organizers, establishing this library aims to uphold its historical values and the indomitable spirit of past generations. It will also disseminate knowledge, educate patriotic traditions, and foster national pride among the community and younger generations.

Organizers are currently surveying a 125m2 site on Con Dao to house the library. The space will feature an open design, inspired by the iconic banyan tree associated with the area. Once completed, it will serve as a hub for research and study, becoming a focal point for thematic activities and roots-tracing initiatives for local students, officials, and tourists visiting Con Dao.

The organizers have launched a call for valuable documents, books, and materials related to Con Dao's culture and people specifically, and Vietnamese history generally. Individuals, researchers, publishers, journalists, authors, and both domestic and international organizations can contribute to enriching this resource. The collection point for donated books is located at the General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City.

Tran Trong Ninh (right), son of Tran Trong Tan, a former Con Dao political prisoner, presents historical books to Le Hoang, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Book Street and a representative of the program's organizers. Photo: Organizers

During the launch event for the Legendary Con Dao Library, held at Ho Chi Minh City Book Street on the morning of 24/4, organizers announced a list of full-text articles proposed for donation. This list includes 309 articles divided into three content groups: 62 articles on Con Dao's geography and legends; 110 articles on the Con Dao prison system and Hang Duong Cemetery; and 137 articles on the political prisoner struggle movement.

Nguyen Ngoc Hoi, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports (second from left, front row), and other representatives receive donation plaques from publishing and distribution units. Organizers stated their goal is to collect 500 diverse book titles for the library. Photo: Organizers

Tan Cao