Fostering a reading culture during the summer
Maintaining a reading culture during the summer helps children make productive use of their free time while reducing their dependence on electronic devices.
Refreshing havens for the soul
In the first days of July, the Hai Phong City Library (213A Lach Tray Street, Gia Vien Ward) has become a familiar destination for many young readers. Unlike its usual quiet atmosphere, the children's reading room is bustling with activity. Every small table is occupied, while the sound of turning pages blends with soft conversations, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment.
While helping her nine-year-old son choose a collection of literary books, Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (38), a resident of Le Chan Ward, shared that immediately after the school year ended, her family decided to limit his smartphone use by taking him to the library twice a week. “At first, he complained and wanted to go home to watch cartoons. But when he saw other children engrossed in reading and discovered his favorite historical comic series, he gradually developed a love for books. Now, whenever it's library day, he packs his own water bottle and gets ready to go,” Ms. Ha said.
The summer reading movement is not limited to major libraries. It has also spread to suburban and rural areas through a variety of creative community initiatives. The Community Book House in Vinh Mo Village, Bac Thanh Mien Commune, has become a cultural hub and a favorite weekend gathering place for children from the commune and neighboring communities.
Vu Hoang Nam, an 11-year-old from Bac Thanh Mien Commune, used to spend most of his free time playing football and video games. Since visiting the community book house, however, he has discovered a passion for reading. My favorite books are the Kinh Van Hoa series and books about physics experiments. It's fun to read here because there are lots of friends. After reading, we solve the puzzles in the books together,” Nam said enthusiastically.
When children are given the opportunity to read in a friendly, welcoming environment alongside their peers, reading is no longer a task or an obligation. Instead, it becomes an enjoyable leisure activity that brings them happiness while enriching their minds and nurturing their souls throughout the summer.
Building a reading culture through love and understanding
However, the picture of children's reading culture during the summer in Hai Phong still faces many challenges. In reality, maintaining children's reading habits continues to encounter obstacles stemming from modern lifestyles and the educational perceptions of some parents.
One of the biggest barriers to sustaining a reading culture during the summer is the pressure of extra classes. Although it is the summer holiday, many students, especially those in graduating grades, still have intensive study schedules. Ms. Dang Minh Tam, a resident of Gia Vien Ward, shared: “I know reading is very beneficial, but my child's summer schedule is packed almost every day of the week, so I don't know when to fit reading into it. Every time my child comes home, they're exhausted and just want to watch television for a while before going to bed.” When most of a child's time is devoted to extra classes and homework, reading beyond the school curriculum—especially life-skills books—gradually takes a back seat.
In addition, the changing ways Generation Alpha children (born from 2010 onward) consume information also present significant challenges to the development of a reading culture. Mr. Tran Hai, owner of a bookstore on Nguyen Duc Canh Street, said: “Nowadays, many children prefer books with plenty of illustrations, comic books, or interactive content. Meanwhile, many parents want their children to read works such as Southern Forest Land or Stormy Childhood, even though the children are more interested in fantasy stories or modern life-skills books. Imposing reading preferences on children can sometimes cause them to lose interest in books.”
At the same time, the rapid growth of technology and short-video platforms such as TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts has created strong competition for printed books. Reading a book requires concentration and patience, while short-form digital content can provide entertainment almost instantly.
To build and maintain children's reading habits, the role of the family is essential. Encouraging children to read is unlikely to be effective if it is limited to verbal reminders while parents themselves spend most of their time using smartphones or social media. If parents want their children to develop a love of reading, families must first create a suitable reading environment, with parents serving as companions and role models through their own reading habits.
Summer becomes more meaningful when a reading culture is nurtured through understanding, patience, and companionship from families, rather than through pressure or imposed expectations.
Thu Huong