Don't let the library become a dusty place

“A timely book can change a child’s life” - that belief has become the guiding light for Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien for nearly 10 years of “carrying books” to children in difficult areas.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien (fourth from left) took a souvenir photo with readers at the book launch - Photo: HO NHUONG

The book launch event " Go for it so that your life will not be in vain " by author Hoang Thi Thu Hien, former teacher of Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted (HCMC) - founder of the Good Books for Primary School Students Project, took place at HCMC Book Street on the morning of October 5.

Every book is a door opening to the world.

Since initiating the project, Ms. Hien has made 155 trips to 37 provinces and cities, bringing nearly 800,000 books to elementary schools.

She said the journey has never been easy. From choosing the right book for the right audience, finding funding, to getting the children to actually read and truly "absorb" the book - every step requires effort and patience.

"Books only go one-third of the way. How to make children love reading and understand books is the most difficult thing," Ms. Hien shared.

During her journey, she saw that there were libraries that were just empty rooms, with stained walls, a musty smell, and only a few bookshelves. There were libraries that were dusty, had spider webs across them, and were nestled next to the restrooms... And there were also libraries that were built grandly but the content was "empty" and not suitable for the children.

According to her, books are where children can see the world, "go" to places they have never seen before, where they can nurture good things and learn to love, so they dare to dream big. Therefore, reading books is always of great significance to children.

All of these things were written by her in the book " Go for it so that your life will not be in vain " - a collection of stories on the journey of "carrying books" to children in difficult areas. Although the journey had some stumbles, but with the belief that "a book at the right time can change a child's life", Ms. Hien always persevered to continue.

"Reading books does not necessarily make you rich, but if you do not read books, you will be poor: poor in ideals, poor in dreams, poor in ambitions," she emphasized.

"Carrying" books - "carrying" hope

Sharing at the book launch, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - founder of the House of Wisdom and the Charity Bookcase - expressed his admiration for Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien's 10-year volunteer journey.

He said that although he had only read two-thirds of the book, the stories in it had deeply moved him, because it was not only a journey to bring books to children in difficult areas but also a journey to sow seeds of knowledge and awaken aspirations in the souls of young children.

According to Mr. Tuan, the job that Ms. Hien is doing is "one of the hardest jobs in the world" because it requires not only strength and time, but also persistent faith and infinite love.

"It was a huge effort, not only by a dedicated teacher but also by a woman with extraordinary strength and heart," he said.

Book "Go all out to make your life worthwhile"

Mr. Le Hoang - Director of Ho Chi Minh City Book Street - shared that he had the opportunity to accompany Ms. Hien on trips to remote areas to give books to students.

Only by witnessing it with your own eyes can you fully appreciate what she wrote in the book, and understand the circumstances of students in disadvantaged areas who do not have access to intellectual bookshelves.

He believes that each of Ms. Hien's trips is not simply a book donation activity, but a meticulous and dedicated preparation process - from choosing books suitable for each age group, mobilizing funding sources, to connecting schools, localities and teachers, all of which are carried out by Ms. Hien with a spirit of perseverance.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Van - Head of the Literature Department at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted - shared that what impressed her most when reading Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien's book was the illustrations and title, which fully reflect the style of an exemplary, dedicated and always innovative teacher.

She not only teaches letters but also teaches people how to be human. For Ms. Van, reading each page of the book is to see a teacher full of compassion, always listening, understanding and instilling positive life values ​​in her students.

"In a changing society, Ms. Hien reminds us that the teaching profession not only requires 'talent', but also 'compassion'," said Ms. Van.

HO NHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dung-de-thu-vien-thanh-noi-phui-bui-20251005130109511.htm