The joy of reading for many people in Da Nang is being immersed in every word in the quiet space of a house, or a place with a cup of hot tea, attractive flowers and the fresh atmosphere of nature.

"Da Nang Reading Culture Festival 2022" takes place at the Da Nang General Science Library from April 20 to 24, drawing the attention of numerous people, pupils, as well as students. Photo: PHAM DOAN TRIEU

On weekends, the March 29 Park has often welcomed a huge number of people coming here. Some young people set up their tents and then turn each new page of a book while lying on the grass,  creating a beautiful and poetic image in the middle of April.

Holding a book ordered online after reading a few lines of introduction, Nguyen Thi Dieu Hien, a student majoring in Chemistry Pedagogy at the University of Science and Education - University of Danang (UD), said that reading must first be fun and relaxing.

Her major has too many numbers and formulas, so she chooses books having gentle and delicate content, and elaborate lyrics to balance emotions and regain positive energy. She often goes to the park or goes to coffee to read a book whenever having spare time.

Meanwhile, according to Mr Tran Phuoc Tuan, residing in Khue Trung Ward, Cam Le District, books help him learn, research and reflect. “I do not like those who are talking while reading books or those using their saliva-soaked fingertips to turn the next page. I also do not have the habit of folding pages or applying ink to mark. I usually write any good or interesting passage down in a notebook or type it to save so that it is easy to find later", he shared.

So far, Mr Tuan has owned approximately 5,000 books, ranging from classic literature to translation, philosophy, economics - politics, detective, and comic books.

As a lover of Chinese stories, he has almost full of classic works such as Journey to the West, Love History of Vo Tac Thien, Strange Tales of Liao Zhai, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

His old age and disabled legs make it difficult for him to move, so his books are "scattered" around the house, from the corner of the kitchen, the foot of the stairs to the living room table, the bedroom or on the shelf, on the chair to facilitate reading and research.

Whenever he wants to focus on reading, he closed the door tightly, pretending to be away. Gradually, family members and his friends understood and avoided disturbing him while he is reading books.

Some people believe that a café having books is like an accommodation service since we go there once and we will actively look for it next time if we like it. That is the feeling of familiarity and closeness that a café having books brings to readers.

For instance, at the end of 2021, Da Nang book lovers expressed their regret as The Books Library & Coffee at 12 Cao Thang, Hai Chau District announced that it had stopped operating and transferred to a new owner.

They regret because this was a book cafe with an operating model quite similar to a library, even more attractive than a library because of its wide-open space, delicious food and drinks. In addition to 10,000 books arranged in folders for on-site readers, The Books Library & Coffee offered book loan packages via smart apps and the home delivery service.

With such facilities, The café used to welcome hundreds of readers on a daily basis. Based on the available readership, Tinker Coffee, the new name of The Books Library & Coffee after the transfer, continues to develop the book coffee model at this address.

In the same vein, “Goc nha tui minh” (Our corner) café in Hai Chau District is a familiar address for those who want to read books alone. There are not many books here, but they are quite selective.

Ms Ngo Thi Mai, residing in An Hai Tay Ward, Son Tra District said that it is very difficult for her to read a book if someone talks or plays loud music. Therefore, if she cannot read at home, she will go to the park or quiet cafes like this coffee shop.

Ms Nguyen Thi Ai Tam, a founding member of our Corner, wishes to create a light, cosy and suitable space for readers so they can read books while enjoying their cup of tea and coffee or petting the kittens here.

“Goc nha tui minh” has a few customers who like to come here early in the morning to read books in a quiet and pure atmosphere. At noon or in the afternoon when it's sunny outside on the porch, customers can also stop by the coffee shop to read or listen to soothing guitar tunes.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by T.VY