Remote areas of the country have seen a downgrade of libraries, almost all of which have outdated editions, or books unsuitable for children and a paucity of funds, hence have failed to attract young readers anymore, said insiders at a national seminar on development of children libraries in Ho Chi Minh City last week.
Meanwhile cities have seen a large number of bookstores and book markets which offer a diverse collection of books, attracting more young people. Gradually going to a bookstore to read has become a habit for many children.
Earlier, bookstores never allowed people to read in the store because they occupied a lot of space. Children also sat and lay on the floor, which did not look good.
However book markets realise that readers often come back to their familiar bookstores to buy books. Thus they have built reading areas in the markets to meet the people’s demand of reading.
Now kids can also enjoy snacks, beverages or demonstrate their artistic talent by painting statues and making sand pictures in reading areas.
Bookstores and book markets cannot take the role of libraries. But they have contributed in opening reading areas for people and children in various localities.
