Promoting reading culture, fostering lifelong learning

Reading culture is expanding beyond the pages of books and the walls of libraries to digital platforms, becoming an important part of lifelong learning.

In response to Lifelong Learning Week 2026, localities, schools and organizations across Dong Nai are organizing a range of practical activities to encourage people to combine learning with practice, gradually master digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), and contribute to building a learning society.

Dong Nai Library’s mobile library visits schools across the city during Lifelong Learning Week 2026.

When reading becomes a learning habit

In early October 2026, Dong Nai Library’s mobile library vehicle program continued to visit primary and secondary schools across the city. Under the theme “Books Come to School – Knowledge Spreads,” each mobile library vehicle carries more than 3,000 books covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, comics, life skills and science. The program creates reading spaces on school grounds where students can choose books, read and share them with their peers. Book introductions, sharing sessions and book-related quizzes are also organized to spark students’ interest and gradually develop reading habits.

According to Vo Xuan Le, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Library, during Lifelong Learning Week 2026, Dong Nai Library, with its two branches in Tan Trieu Ward and Binh Phuoc Ward, is stepping up communications and mobile library services at schools across 95 communes and wards. The library is also displaying around 1,000 books, arranging artistic book displays, and introducing new publications through its fan page, YouTube channel and website, enabling readers to access knowledge through various formats.

“With the theme ‘Learning through practice, applying and mastering digital technology and AI to build a learning society and promote lifelong learning,’ activities during Lifelong Learning Week 2026 are closely linked to the need to apply technology,” Vo Xuan Le said. “Dong Nai Library has been focusing on digitizing materials, particularly those related to Dong Nai’s local history and geography, while integrating QR codes to make it easier for readers to access materials remotely,” he added.

Lifelong Learning Week 2026 in Dong Nai City runs from October 1 to 7. Communes and wards have held launch ceremonies, while agencies, organizations, schools, hamlets, villages and residential areas have signed commitments to participate in the Digital Literacy for All Campaign.

Speaking at a launch ceremony for Lifelong Learning Week, Le Dinh Trung, Vice Chairman of the Long Ha Commune People’s Committee, stressed that amid rapid digital transformation, learning needs to be closely linked to practice, real-life applications and the ability to apply technology. Building a learning society requires every citizen to proactively update their knowledge, develop skills and master digital services and tools for work, study and daily life. People from all walks of life, agencies, organizations and businesses need to join hands in creating a positive learning environment, fostering a spirit of self-learning, sharing knowledge and maintaining lifelong learning, he said.

In addition to city and school libraries, reading spaces in Dong Nai are expanding to agencies, organizations, businesses and residential communities. Museums, cultural centers and clubs are organizing book, newspaper and magazine displays and introductions tailored to different groups of readers, creating more places where people can seek information and expand their knowledge. These reading sites are also gradually improving their services and strengthening coordination with Dong Nai Library to rotate books, add new materials and organize book introduction activities, helping bring books closer to residents and cultivate self-learning habits.

Mastering digital technology and AI

According to Tran Van Dung, Director of the General Services Center of Dong Phu Ward, the locality considers technology an important tool for expanding learning spaces and enabling residents to access knowledge quickly and conveniently. The ward has therefore stepped up communications across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Zalo and YouTube, alongside official information channels. A number of communication activities have begun using AI to design posters and produce content, making information more engaging while helping residents search for and update knowledge, develop digital skills, and apply them to their studies, work and daily lives.

Dong Nai Library is implementing a project to upgrade and consolidate the software systems and databases of Dong Nai City’s electronic and digital libraries, contributing to the modernization of library management, resource utilization and reader services. The library is also accelerating digital transformation, expanding the digitization of materials, developing digital information resources, and maintaining and improving the effectiveness of digital platforms serving readers.

In practice, many models tailored to the learning needs of residents and workers in Dong Nai are being encouraged for wider adoption. These include developing and publishing a “Learning Opportunity Map” or a directory of learning locations across the area, enabling residents to easily find information about community learning centers, libraries, museums, cultural centers, public-service assistance points, and vocational and employment counseling services. The information can be made available through QR codes, websites or appropriate digital platforms, creating additional channels for people to proactively choose learning content according to their needs.

In addition, digital and AI skills support points are being encouraged so residents can gain hands-on experience and receive answers to common issues in the digital environment. The focus is on using online public services, applying AI tools to appropriate tasks, checking the reliability of information, and identifying potential scams involving fraudulent messages, calls, images, videos or cloned voices.

Digital skills learning is thus being integrated into situations closely connected with everyday life. Through hands-on activities, scenario-based discussions and practical guidance, residents can gradually develop skills in verifying information, protecting personal data and responding safely to risks in cyberspace. This is also a practical aspect of lifelong learning, helping people proactively update their knowledge and adapt to changes in modern life.

By My Ny-Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha