Amidst the peaceful pace of life in Binh Vong village, there is always a library open regularly every day. No big signs, no modern facilities, but this place is a familiar rendezvous for many generations of people - from students, workers to the elderly.
The library was established in 1999, originating from the long-standing tradition of studiousness of the local people. From the early days, the source of books was mainly contributed by the people voluntarily, mobilizing donations from everywhere. The first bookshelves were erected with all our joint efforts and belief in the value of knowledge.
Mr. Duong Van Phi - the founder of the village's reading club - although 85 years old, still clearly remembers the difficult early days. "At the time of building the library, we lacked everything, from book titles to reading places. We simply thought we had to be determined to have a place for people and children to study, so we just persistently mobilized. Initially, few people participated, then people understood, gradually supported, and brought more books...", Mr. Phi said.
It is from that persistence that Binh Vong village library gradually went into stable operation. From a few hundred initial books, to now the library has more than 15,000 books, with many rich genres. Not only serving reading needs, this place has also become a cultural activity space, connecting the community.
That "fire" of love for reading books has been passed down through many generations. Currently, Ms. Ngo Thi Hang (born in 1956) - representing the third generation of successors - is directly in charge and maintaining the operation of the library. Attached to this place for many years, Ms. Hang considers preserving the library not only as a responsibility but also as a personal enthusiasm.
Ms. Hang shared: "People here have always had a tradition of studiousness, very fond of books. Many people who go to work far away, when they have the conditions, send books back to support. We try to maintain so that the children have a place to read and learn more knowledge.
Although there is no stable funding, the library still maintains regular activities 7 times a week. The on-duty team consists of 5 people who take turns managing, arranging books and serving readers. All work on a voluntary basis.
Ms. Hang added: "This job requires persistence. Sometimes we are worried because modern forms of entertainment affect reading, but when we see that the children still come to the library, we have more motivation to maintain it.
Not only is it a place to preserve knowledge, Binh Vong village library is also a place to preserve memories and community spirit. Many people have grown up from the pages of books here, and then return to contribute, continuing the good traditions of their homeland...
In the context of technological development, traditional reading culture faces many challenges. However, in Binh Vong village, the habit of reading books is still preserved as a part of life. This shows that when the community truly values knowledge, books still have a sustainable foothold. And that fire is silently lit by the "fire keepers" such as Mr. Duong Van Phi and Ms. Ngo Thi Hang...
Talking to Lao Dong reporters, Mr. Duong Van Phi expressed his wish: "We only hope that young people will continue to maintain the habit of reading books, not let it fade away. This library is the common property of the whole village, if the next generation maintains and develops better, that is the most joyful thing.
Also according to Mr. Phi, not only the villagers, the library also attracts many students in the village as well as neighboring localities to borrow and read books. Many children maintain the habit of visiting the library almost every day, considering this a familiar learning space after class.
For Mr. Phi, the image of generations of children and grandchildren engrossed in books has become familiar, adding to his spiritual motivation and belief that the library is always warmed by the spirit of eagerness to learn and the love of knowledge. That simple desire is also the message throughout the nearly 30-year journey of Binh Vong village library - where ordinary people are quietly preserving a great value: reading culture and the spirit of studiousness of their homeland...
