The Ho Chi Minh City Children's Book Fair recently expanded its reach, bringing reading culture directly to residential communities. This initiative, marking the fair's first foray into such localized events, aims to make books and cultural activities more accessible to families and children in their living spaces. The program commenced last weekend at the Sora Gardens apartment building in Binh Duong ward, with activities planned across various locations.

Cao Van Chong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the organizing unit, highlighted the event's objective. "This event helps bring books and reading culture activities closer to residential communities, enabling families and children to participate and experience them within their living environments," he stated.

A display of science and technology models in Binh Duong ward. Photo: Phuong Huyen

A display of science and technology models in Binh Duong ward. Photo: Phuong Huyen

At the festival, young readers engaged with cultural reading ambassadors, participated in storytelling and book-themed drawing sessions, and experienced STEM activities. These activities, designed to foster skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also included opportunities to learn about local history and culture. Organizers dedicated extensive reading and creative spaces for children and their families.

A highlight of the program was the launch of the Community Bookshelf model. Three bookshelves were donated to the Becamex Hoa Loi social housing area in Binh Duong ward, Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong's boarding house in Bac Tan Uyen commune, and Mr. Tran Dinh Cuong's boarding house in Thuan An ward. According to a representative from the Department, this initiative helps bring books closer to workers, laborers, and disadvantaged children, fostering a healthy learning and cultural environment within these communities.

Further extending the initiative, An Lac ward launched a "one person, one book" reading week. Thai Ha company representatives donated a promotional bookshelf to the management board of cluster C at Ehome3 apartment complex, creating a reading corner for children. The program also featured several interactive sessions on historical topics, organized by Tre Publishing House. Children colored characters, assembled character puzzles, and played skill-based team games.

A program for children in An Lac ward. Photo: Phuong Huyen

A program for children in An Lac ward. Photo: Phuong Huyen

The Khan Quang Do - Tuoi Tre newspaper publication group organized the "I am confident - I am safe" program. Experts guided young readers on children's rights and self-protection methods. The Vietnam Women's Publishing House presented an interactive session with author Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, who shared stories about the Nam Phuong Empress's family and the scientist Alexandre Yersin.

In Dien Hong ward, the program "fun summer in Uncle Ho's city" took place. The HCMC General Publishing House and the ward People's Committee signed an agreement to implement activities that bring books closer to residents, especially the younger generation. The publishing house donated a children's bookshelf containing 170 books to residents of the Xi Grand Court apartment complex. The ward People's Committee also donated green trees, conveying a message of collective effort in building a sustainable living environment.

Numerous workshops offered children a vibrant summer experience, including: "I am a young artist" (book cover design competition), "quick hands, quick minds" (quiz), "baby colors, baby fun" (coloring with stories), "fun reading with baby" (storytelling with books), and "talented young artisan" (clay modeling characters). These events aimed to help children develop a habit of reading.

Actor Hua Vi Van accompanies book donation activities and establishes reading spaces at the Vo Thi Sau Hero Memorial House, Dat Do commune. Photo: Phuong Huyen

Actor Hua Vi Van accompanies book donation activities and establishes reading spaces at the Vo Thi Sau Hero Memorial House, Dat Do commune. Photo: Phuong Huyen

This sixth edition of the book fair commemorates the 50th anniversary of Saigon - Gia Dinh changing its name to Ho Chi Minh City, observed from 2/7/1976 to 2/7/2026. Nguyen Ngoc Hoi, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that fostering a reading culture is not solely the responsibility of the library or cultural sectors. It requires the collaboration of families, schools, local authorities, and businesses. He stated, "Every reading space opened today provides another opportunity for children to nurture knowledge, shape their character, and achieve comprehensive development."