First Vietnamese Books Displayed at Belgium's Capital

	Vietnamese Bookstore for People Far From Home
	Publishing Houses Aim To Introduce Vietnamese Books Abroad

For the first time, Vietnamese books are officially available on the shelves of the Muntpunt Library, the central and largest library in Brussels, Belgium. This milestone is the outcome of an initiative by the General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (UGVB), which aims to establish a "Vietnamese corner" dedicated to serving Vietnamese children aged 0 to 6 in Belgium.

This special collection features Vietnamese fairy tales, children's poems, and comics—materials that are both educational and designed to preserve and promote traditional culture among the younger generation in a multicultural environment. The collection's highlight includes beloved folk tales such as The Hundred-Joint Bamboo Tree, familiar poems, and simple language, making it easy for children to naturally engage with and maintain the use of Vietnamese.

Vietnamese books appeared on the shelves of the Muntpunt library. (Photo: VNA)

On this occasion, Kieu Bich Huong, a writer and journalist based in Belgium, gifted the Muntpunt library the comic book series OGO Code. This work vividly portrays the lives of children in multicultural families.

Huong emphasized that reading books in their mother tongue not only helps children connect with their cultural identity but also strengthens the bond between parents and children, especially in multilingual settings. Meanwhile, Brenda, who oversees the children's section at the Muntpunt library, highlighted the library's commitment to supporting immigrant communities in preserving their native languages. She shared, “Having access to books in their original language in public spaces helps children cultivate sustainable reading habits while staying connected to their roots.”

Nguyen Chung Thuy, responsible for Culture and Society at the UGVB, expressed hopes for creating a truly Vietnamese cultural space beyond donating books. This envisioned space would allow children to read, engage in folk games, and communicate in Vietnamese within a friendly environment.

Young readers like Vu Hong Ngan (13 years old) and Lisa (9 years old) embody the success of such initiatives. Vu Hong Ngan described the library experience as reminiscent of Vietnam, recalling fond memories of reading with her grandparents back home. Lisa, born and raised in Belgium, impressed many by fluently reading Vietnamese poems. Despite finding writing in Vietnamese challenging, Lisa enjoys the language thanks to her mother’s Vietnamese lullabies and storytelling.

Moreover, Vietnamese families in Belgium have proactively formed small groups to share strategies for preserving the Vietnamese language. These groups organize storytelling sessions, lullabies, and home-based teaching, fostering a supportive community dedicated to raising children in a multicultural environment.

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