A number of activities will be held in response to third Vietnam Book Day (April 21).

A four-day book festival is organised by the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, with the opening ceremony on April 20 at the Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi . April is also book publication month running from April 1 to May 1.

Aside from enjoying book introductions and display activities, readers will have the opportunity to interact and meet with authors and cultural researchers.

Sideline activitites will also be organised, including the introduction and performance of national and globally-recognised intangible cultural heritages, as well as exchanges relating to publication and copyright.

Many organisations and businesses in localities nationwide are also expected to join the activities to celebrate the national book day.

April 21 is designated as Vietnam Book Day under Decision 284/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on February 24, 2014.

The annual event aims to encourage and develop reading in the community, while raising the public’s awareness of the significance of books not only as a source of knowledge, but as a way to develop one’s thought and personality.

The event is also a chance to appreciate efforts of those who are involved in book publishing such as book collectors, writers, publishers and distributors, the decision said.

The observance of the day will contribute to raising the responsibility of ministries, sectors and social organisations towards building and promoting the reading culture in Vietnam.

VNA