Hanoi’s first book street made its debut at December 19 Street in Hoan Kiem District on May 1 with the participation of 16 publishing units and a large number of book lovers.

Initiated by Hanoi Department of Information and Communications on December 19, 2016, Hoan Kiem District, the department and other relevant agencies have started construction for the book street and selection of eligible publication units joining the space.

As the first street in Hanoi dedicated to books, the street features 16 booths with easy access for people with disabilities, children and the elderly. The area has a small square for exchange activities, talks and book introduction, as well as public information stations and electronic books, free wifi and water, a coffee-book area, flower and souvenir stalls, and architectural designs suitable with the surrounding area.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Duong Duc Tuan, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, said that after four months of construction, Hanoi launched the first street for book introduction, which also serves as an ideal cultural and entertainment space for Hanoians.

The book street is a continuation of bookshops and mobile booklets held by the Hanoi Information and Communications Department on traditional Lunar New Year festivals at Le Thach Street, Ly Thai To Flower Garden and the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake since 2015.

On the occasion, publishing houses held exchange activities and launching their new books at the new space, in addition to interactive activities and exchange of copyright between publishers and with readers.

Visitors to the book street can park vehicles in front of No. 47 and 61, Ly Thuong Kiet Street (for motorbikes) and the street side in front of Melia Hotel (for cars).

Nhan Dan