Visitors at the Spring Book Street programme at Hanoi Book Street. VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

HÀ NỘI - A Spring Book Street programme is taking place on Hanoi Book Street, inviting visitors to a wide range of activities from now through the Lunar New Year (Tết) holidays.

The annual event, held by the People’s Committee of Hoàn Kiếm district, aims to encourage reading culture in the community and create a cultural space for local residents and tourists to enjoy at the start of the Year of the Dragon.

Aside from existing stores, more book stalls and an area of entertainment activities for children were also added to the street.

Coming to the programme, visitors can read and buy the latest books, newspapers, and other types of publications, meet authors, receive their autographs, and join them in discussions about various topics.

Visitors can learn about the art of calligraphy and writing Tết decoration couplets while children can paint pictures and take a turn at making traditional toys. A book reading space and an exhibition of folk paintings are available throughout the event.

Performances of both traditional and modern singing and dancing, along with a children’s fashion show will also form part of the programme.

The organisers have also opened mini games on the Hanoi Book Street fanpage on this occasion.

Book publishers and distributors are also holding different activities on their own and offering promotions to attract readers.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Hoàn Kiếm People’s Committee Nguyễn Quốc Hoàn said the Spring Book Street event on Hanoi Book Street has become a cultural activity and also an attractive destination in the capital city whenever Tết arrives. It also marks the start of reading encouragement activities in the city this year.

The programme is open from 8am to 10pm every day through February 14 (the fifth day of the Year of the Dragon). VNS