These efforts are not only fostering reading habits but also contributing to the broader promotion of a reading culture in society.

On the training ground of Infantry Battalion 1, Regiment 741 under the provincial Military Command, during a short break between a training session, Private First Class Lê Đức Việt from Platoon 9, Company 3, can be seen deeply immersed in newspapers provided through the “Newspaper Box at Training Ground.”

This initiative, likened to a mobile library, consists of a small box managed by the platoon leader and stocked with a rotating selection of books and newspapers, carried to training sessions by designated soldiers.

Private Việt shared: “Thanks to the initiative, we can read right on the field during break time. Regular access to reading materials not only keeps us informed but also broadens our horizons and satisfies our curiosity and thirst for knowledge.”

In addition to this model, Infantry Battalion 1 has implemented other efforts to normalize reading among soldiers, such as “Reading one book a week” and internal reading groups with three to five members. Each weekday from 6:45 to 7:00p.m., soldiers also participate in shared reading sessions within the battalion’s communal spaces. These structured reading activities have brought books closer to troops and helped embed reading into daily routines.

Senior Captain Thào A Lồng, Political Officer of Infantry Battalion 1, noted: “Our collection includes around 800 titles covering fiction, policy documents, legal texts, and more. Each year, we partner with the provincial library and the Department of Justice’s Legal Education Division to rotate about 200 new books, enriching our soldiers’ reading options.”

Meanwhile, at Thanh Chăn Primary School in Điện Biên district, the “Advanced Library” model has been nurturing a love for reading since 2017. The library features both indoor and outdoor reading zones, totaling 190 square meters. The spaces are visually appealing, decorated with colorful murals and thematic signs to match each reading corner. Over 4,000 books, stories, and reference materials are neatly organized, catering to the learning and recreational needs of students and staff.

According to Meritorious Teacher Vũ Thị Trung Thu, the school’s principal, the most distinctive feature of the “Advanced Library” compared to traditional libraries is the inclusion of weekly “library periods” scheduled like any other class. During these sessions, students participate in themed reading activities prepared in advance. Teachers guide them through interactive experiences such as book presentations, storytelling, audiovisual learning, quizzes, and games - activities that both spark creativity and encourage diverse reading interests.

Across Điện Biên province, various innovative and effective reading models have played a vital role in elevating young people’s awareness about the importance of books and knowledge. These initiatives aim to make reading a conscious and voluntary part of daily life. In today’s fast-paced world, the reading culture can still thrive, as long as people choose to preserve and embrace it.