HÀ NỘI — Book lovers in Hà Nội now have a new venue where they can satisfy their passion for the printed word with the opening of a pedestrian book mall in the city centre.

Stretching along 200 metres of December 19 Street in Hà Nội’s Hoàn Kiếm District, the street features 16 booths with easy access for people with disabilities, children and the elderly. The area includes a small square where people can meet and hear talks about books, as well free wifi and water, a coffee-book area, flower and souvenir stalls.

Addressing the May 1 inauguration ceremony of the Hà Nội book street, Ngô Văn Quý, vice chairman of Hà Nội People’s Committee, said the street is the first of its kind dedicated to introducing new books to readers in the city. It is also a rendezvous point for book lovers to get access to diverse books and attend meetings about books with both international and domestic authors.

He also added that the street will offer a reading space to enhance the development of a reading culture, and contribute to the city’s cultural values in the city.  

According to Phan Lan Tú, director of Hà Nội’s Department of Information and Communications, in order to ensure the street becomes a favourite destination for readers, the department will collaborate with other relevant organisations.

In addition, activities such as book exchanges, book introductions and copyright transactions will be conducted regularly to create a conducive atmosphere for reading. — VNS