Nguyen Ba Luong and Phung Ba Hung, along with some young volunteers of Duong Lieu commune, opened the free library to create an opportunity for local children to broaden their knowledge. Now instead of spending all their free time playing computer games, the children are reading and learning.

Although it only opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the weekends, the library attracts quite a large number of children. "I really like the library," said a reader, "I read through a whole book every time I come, and I find it very helpful. There are many expensive books that I cannot afford but I can read them for free here." Another young reader shared: "I meet many friends who also come to read books in the library. I’m very happy."        

Young readers of the library (Photo: Duong Lieu library)

Not only children visit the library but local elders are also the regular readers of the library. 74-year-old Phi Thi Lieu said: "I like reading and often borrow books to read at home. All services here are free. It helps me find more joy in reading."

Duong Lieu private library has been running for 7 years. During its early days, the library had only around 300 books. Local volunteers had to collect books from donors and encourage families to bring their children to the library to read books and borrow books for free. Lead manager Phung Ba Hung said: “We also receive children from neighboring villages where there is not such a library. The children like the library a lot.” 

In an area of only 60 m2, 2,000 books are categorized into groups based on specific fields, such as literature, science, food for thought, etc. Each group has its own color code making it easy for readers to select a book they like. Hung shared: “We wanted to create playground for children where they can read books and play games instead of spending time with electronic devices or smartphones."

Books are categorized with color codes (Photo: Duong Lieu library)

Lead manager Phung Ba Hung created a fan page on Facebook to call for book donation. He also organized fundraising events, such as selling village souvenirs or Chung cakes (Vietnamese sticky rice cakes), to buy more books. His efforts were paid off. Donors from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other localities also have sent books to his library.

"95% of books in the library are donated books," Hung said, "Now we don’t even have to buy more books. It takes passion and responsibility to run this library, and we are lucky to have a wonderful staff satisfied both qualities. In addition, we are very grateful to over 70 students who have volunteered to help us operate the library." 

A moon cake making event at the library (Photo: Duong Lieu library)

Duong Lieu library currently has over 700 regular readers. Several people without membership also come here to read books and attend activities to raise funds and inspire children’s passion for reading.