Ever wonder where Vietnam’s literary treasures are kept? Right here, at 31 Trang Thi Street in Hanoi, stands the National Library of Vietnam. It is the biggest library in Vietnam.
The National Library of Vietnam has a rich history, dating back to November 29, 1917. Initially, it was established as the Central Library of Indochina. The library was intended to support and promote Western archive and library work.
For a time, it was named after Pierre Pasquier. He was a Far East magnate. In 1958, it received its current name: National Library of Vietnam.
The National Library of Vietnam holds a vast collection of knowledge. It possesses over 2.5 million items. The library serves as the National depository of all Vietnamese publications. A decree by President Ho Chi Minh in 1946 ensured that two copies of each Vietnamese publication are kept here.
The National Library of Vietnam’s collection includes books, newspapers, and magazines in Vietnamese and other languages. It boasts good French, Russian, Chinese, English, and German collections.
The National Library of Vietnam also has special collections. These include Asian languages, ethnic minority material, maps, engravings, photographs, recordings, and children’s books. Rare Sino-Nom books are preserved here. These ancient texts are in Nôm and Hán characters.
Doctoral theses of Vietnamese scholars are gathered here. The library exchanges books with over 300 libraries and scientific agencies. These connections span about 100 countries. The National Library of Vietnam is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. This membership helps the library stay connected globally.
The National Library of Vietnam also organizes meetings. These meetings cover topics such as daily life, economy, culture, history, science, and technology. Scientists and famous artists often speak at these events.
The National Library of Vietnam’s website offers access to digital collections. You can explore doctoral theses, Indochina books, and books and maps about Hanoi online.
The library welcomes 2000 visitors each day. Moreover, over 6500 online visitors access the library’s website daily. The National Library of Vietnam plays a vital role. It guarantees people access to knowledge. It also protects important national archives. The library actively promotes a reading culture in Vietnam. Since 2002, the library has organized an annual “Book festival and reading culture”. This event attracts thousands of visitors.
So, as you leave the National Library of Vietnam, remember its mission. It connects Vietnam to the world through knowledge. It preserves the past. It also inspires future generations.