Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam reading-culture space launched
The free public library stores nearly 1,000 book titles ranged from Thang Long-Hanoi history and culture to Vietnam’s Confucian scholars and academic traditions, literature and arts, as well as life skills.
THE HANOI TIMES —
Located near Van (Literature) Lake, the free public library is a cultural rendezvous where the young generations can connect more deeply with national traditions, and nurture their love for books and passion for knowledge.
The reading-culture space offers free books for people. Photos courtesy of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Center
With nearly 1,000 book titles donated by sponsors and circulated from the Hanoi Cultural Center and Library, the reading-culture space offers readers a wide range of knowledge, including Thang Long-Hanoi history and culture, Vietnam’s Confucian scholars and academic traditions, literature and arts, as well as life skills.
According to Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Center, the venue serves as a community hub.
"It forms an ecosystem alongside experiential activities at Van Lake, and contributes to the capital city’s cultural industry," he said at the inauguration on August 18. "Here, people can freely access and read on site."
This open model helps Hanoi realize the ambition of building a learning society, and offers visitors a more enriching and engaging experience at the relic site, Kieu added.
Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is one of the most popular relics and tourist destinations in Hanoi and the country. Built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225), it is also among the most important Confucian symbols in the country.
The complex consists of the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius as Confucianism was a popular philosophical and ethical teaching across Vietnam in feudal times, and Quoc Tu Giam, the first national university of the country.
It taught disciples on the Confucian way of life and revered Chu Van An, one of Vietnam’s most respected scholars. Between 1076 and 1779, Quoc Tu Giam educated thousands of talented men to serve the country to the best of their abilities.
The complex also includes the Literature Lake located on the opposite site of the Temple of Literature. In recent years, the lake has become an ideal place to host many cultural and artistic events.
