On September 13, 2025, Hall H8 of the Vietnam Exhibition Center (Dong Anh, Hanoi), played host to a special day at the Reading Culture Space organized by the VTV Documentary - Educational Programs Department, which was enjoyed by thousands of readers.
Running from 9 AM to 5 PM, the event drew inspiration from the popular TV program “Books Change Lives”, which was vividly recreated at the exhibition so that the public could experience it firsthand.
This was not just a book display, but a multi-layered, multi-sensory journey where participants could read, listen, observe, role-play, and immerse themselves in the world of reading culture.
The Department of Features and Educational Programs, Vietnam Television, runs the reading culture exhibition space.
Morning: Joyful Experiences
From the early morning, the instant photo booth attracted crowds of visitors. Readers’ portraits with books became treasured keepsakes.
A particular highlight of the exhibition was the chance to take on the role of the presenters c of “Books Change Lives”. In a virtual studio set up at the booth, participants could try delivering lines from past episodes. Many were also able to take photos with the real program MCs, fostering a sense of connection between the audience and the TV production team.
Children were drawn to the Dinh Ti Bookstore corner, which featured interactive books such as pop-up books, 3D books, sound books, and sliding books that sparked their curiosity and imagination. Activities like coloring books with themes of historical sites and landscapes helped them learn about their homeland in a fun way.
Another highlight was the limited-edition book collection from Dong A. Made from premium materials and featuring exquisite designs, these books were true works of art.
Audiences also had the chance to take part in a discussion with Le Thi Thuy Sen, author of the highly regarded book “Wise with Money, Free from Worries”. In her capacity as Editor-in-Chief of The Banking Times, she shared practical insights into personal financial management. Accompanying her was lawyer Truong Thanh Duc, who ensured that the financial knowledge conveyed was precise, scientific, and accessible to the public.
The atmosphere was kept lively with minigames on books, literature, and TV shows kept the atmosphere lively, with beautiful books awarded as prizes to the winners.
Meanwhile, the voice-dubbing activity for wildlife documentaries on VTV2 proved to be a delightful experience for the audience. With the guidance of editor Thu Hong, a familiar face on the program, many children and even adults had the chance to try their hand at narrating and dubbing scenes from nature documentaries for the very first time.
Editor Thu Hong shared that she was pleasantly surprised by the audience’s enthusiasm for the dubbing experience. Most participants recognized her immediately by her voice, even though it was their first time meeting her in person.
The Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary and High School Traditional Instrument Club further enriched the artistic atmosphere. Their performances of pieces such as Continuing the Story of Peace, The Spirit of Vietnam, Oh Vietnam, Spring Comes to the Hmong Highlands, and The Pieu Scarf carried strong national tones, conveying a message that linked reading culture with traditional cultural values.
Afternoon: Deeper Connections
Audiences had the chance to meet Tong Lien Anh, a translator who has traveled to over 40 countries and visited hundreds of libraries worldwide. For her, experiences with books went far beyond reading. They became a journey of living alongside books, shaping both character and intellect alike.
Also in attendance was Lieutenant Colonel and writer Van Anh, who discussed Chu Lai’s novel “Red Rain” and its film adaptation, offering insights into the characters and the human side of war that evoke strong emotions.
The afternoon's minigames provided unexpected highlights, with unexpected highlights, with participants recalling dozens of characters from Red Rain and reciting the exact opening and closing verses of The Tale of Kieu, demonstrating the enduring influence of literature.
Singer Cao Ba Hung, winner of Sing My Song 2016, further impressed audiences with his self-composed works inspired by literature, such as Kieu and Love Longing.
Meanwhile, the “Be an MC” activity continued to draw hundreds of people eager to experience “being on TV” in a reading-themed space.
Beautiful Afterglow
As the exhibition closed, many visitors lingered to chat, take final photos, and savor the emotions of the day. Some shared how the event inspired them to read with their children, while others spoke of finding a sense of community among fellow book lovers. Others simply smiled and left with a new book in hand.
The lingering impression was one of joy and warmth, and of the realization that books can change lives and connect people. This effort by VTV’s Documentary – Educational Programs Department was a meaningful step in spreading and nurturing reading culture.
MC Hồng Minh, an organizer who has been involved in VTV’s reading culture programs since 2015, shared: “Every reading-related project brings me deep emotions. Despite the limited limited preparation time, we worked hard to design the content, partner with trusted publishers, and select suitable speakers. The happiest moment is seeing audiences who are truly inspired and joyful about reading”.
