Making reading a habit

Each day, everyone may read dozens of news headlines on their phones and scroll through countless articles, images and videos. However, far fewer take the time to finish a book or explore an issue in depth through reading.

Developing a reading culture goes beyond making books more accessible to the public. More importantly, it means embedding reading in everyday life at home, in schools and throughout the community, particularly among young people.

Reading to expand knowledge

Today, electronic devices make it easier than ever for people to access knowledge. With just a few clicks, readers can search for information, read e-books or listen to audiobooks. However, scrolling through news feeds, watching video summaries or skimming a few excerpts cannot replace the deeper understanding that comes from reading extensively.

Students at Le Quy Don - Tan Mai High School in Tam Hiep ward read books in the school library.

Gaining an in-depth understanding of an issue through reading requires concentration, patience and reflection. Readers need to cross-check information and consider different perspectives before forming their own opinions. In the digital age, promoting a reading culture is not about choosing between printed books and electronic devices, but about using the formats best suited to individual needs to broaden knowledge. While technology makes books more accessible, it cannot replace independent inquiry and critical thinking.

Tran Phi Chau, a resident of Tran Bien ward, has been an avid reader for many years, reading dozens of books across various fields annually. When a particular topic catches his interest, he often turns to works by different authors to compare their perspectives and gain a more comprehensive understanding.

"I usually read books on history and geography, as well as works by Nobel Prize-winning authors. Reading helps me broaden my knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of the issues that interest me and learn more about the world around me," Chau said.

The value of books is better realized when readers apply what they learn to their work and daily lives. The more people read and learn, the better equipped they are to assess issues, make sound decisions and respond appropriately to different situations.

In recent years, Dong Nai has introduced various initiatives to promote a reading culture, including book weeks, mobile library visits to local communities and the digitization of reading materials. These activities create more opportunities for people to access books, particularly children and residents in disadvantaged areas. However, access to books alone does not necessarily translate into lasting reading habits. Sustained progress requires books that match readers' interests, activities that encourage reading and an environment that supports regular engagement with books.

Nguyen Thao Nhi, a student at Tam Phuoc High School in Tam Phuoc ward, said: "In the city, I can find books at school libraries, bookstores and cafes, or read e-books on my parents' phones. However, many children in rural areas do not have the same opportunities to access books. That is why I take good care of the books I have finished reading so I can donate them to children in underserved areas. Sharing and passing books on to others helps spread knowledge to more people."

Creating environment that maintain reading habit

Making reading a widespread habit requires fostering a love of books at home, in schools, libraries and community spaces. Books must also be readily accessible and relevant to readers' interests, while engaging activities can help spark and sustain their interest in reading.

Nguyen Thi Van, a resident of Tam Hiep Ward, said: "I have two children, one in Grade 2 and the other in Grade 6. To foster their interest in reading, I occasionally take them to bookstores and let them choose books they like. After they finish reading, I often ask what the book is about and what they think of it. These questions help them recall what they have read and express their own opinions. I also read for pleasure and to keep myself informed, setting an example for my children."

Many schools are also encouraging students to choose books, share what they have read and find joy in exploring knowledge. Hoang Thi Ngoc, Principal of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School in Tam Hiep ward, said the school has a library housing more than 4,000 book titles, as well as an outdoor reading area. It also works with the city library to organize mobile library visits, bringing books directly to students. According to Ngoc, the school has created reading spaces in its tree-lined grounds and along corridors on different floors to make reading more enjoyable for students. These spaces help foster regular reading habits and encourage students to choose books that match their interests. The school also encourages students to bring books to exchange with their classmates, giving more children access to a wider range of reading materials.

"To encourage primary school students to read, we focus on creating a welcoming reading environment, providing age-appropriate books and developing reading spaces throughout the school, in classrooms, and in its digital library. We regularly organize book presentations, reading and book-sharing activities, as well as history and geography competitions to spark students' interest in reading, encourage them to explore more books and develop independent learning skills. These efforts help gradually establish active reading habits among students."

Hoang Thi Ngoc, Principal of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School

Pham Van Vui, who runs a bookstore on Nguyen Ai Quoc Street in Tran Bien ward, opened the shop to cater to his own passion for reading and serve other book lovers. It stocks books on a variety of subjects, including science, technology, public administration and specialized disciplines. The collection also features rare and out-of-print books in Vietnamese, English, French, Russian and Chinese.

"I am happy just to see people coming in to read. I sell whatever books customers need. If a particular title is not available at my shop, I even help them order it online," Vui said.

Digital transformation has opened up more opportunities to access knowledge through digital libraries, audiobooks and online materials. However, these tools can only deliver meaningful benefits when people can use them easily, find reliable materials that meet their needs and know how to make effective use of them.

In mid-October 2026, the Dong Nai City People's Committee issued a plan to promote a reading culture and expand public access to information, knowledge and valuable publications.

By 2030, the city aims to achieve an average of seven to eight publications read per person annually, while developing modern reading facilities and creating community spaces for reading, learning and creativity. By 2045, it seeks to raise this figure to eight to 10 publications per person per year and establish a digital publishing ecosystem linked to the cultural industries and the digital economy.

Developing a reading culture requires more than publishing more books, opening additional reading spaces or digitizing large volumes of materials. It calls for sustained cooperation among families, schools, libraries, communities and government agencies. Families nurture children's interest in reading; schools develop their reading skills; communities create opportunities for book sharing; and government agencies organize effective programmes to encourage reading.

When children reach for books out of curiosity, parents make reading a regular family activity and workers seek knowledge to improve their skills, reading will become an integral part of everyday life. Achieving this requires concerted efforts to ensure that everyone has convenient access to books, enjoys the reading experience and can sustain the habit over time.

By B. Mai – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha