On the morning of October 12, at the Hanoi Library (47 Ba Trieu, Hoan Kiem), the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports held the award ceremony for the “Family Reading – Developing Family Libraries to Connect Love” contest. This event was not just a cultural activity, but also an important highlight in the program celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024).
Some videos submitted to the contest
The award ceremony was attended by central-level delegates, including Deputy Director of the Library Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) Doan Quynh Dung, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Library, Nguyen Ngoc Anh, and President of the Vietnam Library Association, Nguyen Huu Gioi. Hanoi delegates included Deputy Head of the Hanoi City Party’s Propaganda and Education Department, Dao Xuan Dung, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Tran Thi Van Anh, and President of the Hanoi Film Association, Banh Thi Mai Phuong.
A large number of delegates at the award ceremony
The “Family Reading – Developing Family Libraries to Connect Love” contest was organized for the first time by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, and was implemented across the city. The contest aimed to spread and develop a reading culture in every family and community, building and forming beautiful traditions in the cultural and spiritual lives of the people, contributing to the development of a learning society. It also honored the cultural values of Vietnamese families, fostering a love for books, and emphasizing the importance of books in building a happy family.
Director of Hanoi Library, Tran Tuan Anh, reports on the contest’s summary
Reporting on the contest, Director of the Hanoi Library, Tran Tuan Anh, shared that the contest began in July 2024 with active participation from many families. After just two months of launching, the organizers received videos from 74 exemplary families in 22 districts and towns participating in the city-level contest. Many videos left a deep impression on viewers, with meticulous investment in both form and content, featuring meaningful books, captivating performances, and a harmonious combination of different generations and family members along with music and vivid imagery. The Examination Board highly appreciated these entries.
Chairwoman of the Examination Board, Banh Thi Mai Phuong, commented that the Examination Board was impressed by the video clips submitted by the families. Most families adhered closely to the organizers’ requirements, creating well-invested programs with engaging content that conveyed messages about reading and the benefits of developing a family library, while incorporating visual effects to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their presentations.
Chairwoman of the Examination Board, Banh Thi Mai Phuong, comments on the contest
The contest consisted of three parts (Greetings, Introduction of Family Libraries, and Book Introduction). Families presented their performances in unique artistic forms such as skits, rap music, rhythmic beats, and poetry. Most families introduced rich and well-organized libraries, arranged according to the preferences of each family member. With the requirement to present one book from their library, many families introduced excellent books suitable for all ages, with clear, passionate presentations, complemented by lively illustrations, creating a warm reading atmosphere.
Despite the many strengths, the Contest did have some limitations: some video clips lacked depth in content, and the number of books introduced was not diverse enough. Additionally, some performances lacked interaction between family members, which made the overall program feel monotonous.
Representative of the family of Nguyen Nha Linh shares their thoughts on the contest
Mr. Nguyen Bao Tuan, representing the family of Nguyen Nha Linh, class 5K at Dich Vong A Primary School, expressed that the families who love books and participated in the contest created a powerful synergy that helped promote the reading culture in society. He hopes that after this contest, the family library model will be expanded so that every family can plan to build their own library, helping to spread the habit of reading in every household and community.
Deputy Head of the Hanoi Party’s Propaganda and Education Department, Dao Xuan Dung, and Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Tran Thi Van Anh, Present the First Prize of the Contest
Delegates Award the Second Prizes of the Contest
Awarding the Third Prize
Awarding the Encouragement Prizes
With the fairness and objectivity of the Examination Board, the organizer awarded 30 prizes to participating families, including 1 First Prize, 3 Second Prizes, 6 Third Prizes, and 20 Encouragement Prizes. The First Prize went to the family of Nguyen Nha Linh (No. 12, Lane 63 Xuan Thuy, Group 14, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District).
The “Family Reading – Developing Family Libraries to Connect Love” 2024 contest was successfully organized, creating a broad social impact and leaving a profound impression on participating families. This contest is truly an enjoyable and valuable playground for families, contributing to raising awareness about the importance of reading for the development of individuals, families, and communities, helping to spread the reading culture far and wide.
Thao Nhi