Books will be the centre of attention through the end of April as astring of events are set to celebrate the 2nd annual Vietnam Book Day(April 21).

Major activities will be concentrated between April 18 and 23.

A book street will run in Hanoi through April 17-21 and severalworkshops and talk shows are to be held, including events presentingnational anniversary-themed books, such as the 40th SouthernLiberation and National Reunification Day (April 30), 70 years of AugustRevolution (August 9) and National Day (September 2), among others.

Celebrations will take place in the Templeof Literature and libraries, schools, headquarters of state agencies andorganisations across the nation.

April 21 was designated Vietnam Book Day by the Prime Minister.

Aimed to encourage reading in the community, the annual event looksto raise public awareness of books as not only a source of knowledge butalso a way to develop one’s thinking and personality.

The event alsopresents a chance to appreciate the efforts of those involved in thedevelopment of books, such as collectors, writers, publishers anddistributors.

The observance of the event will contribute to raising theresponsibility of ministries, sectors and social organisations towardsthe promotion of reading in Vietnam.-VNA