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Over a decade ago, I relocated to the U.S. for professional reasons and ended up in a small town with approximately 30,000 residents in the northwest. What caught me off guard was not the shopping mall or the recreational facilities, but the noticeable structure located in the heart of the town: the public library.

I received a free library card that enabled me to borrow books for an entire month without any charges, despite having been in the country for only a week and not being a citizen yet. The library was not considered a supplementary resource for education. Instead, it was regarded as a routine public service, accessible to all.

That library was more than just a location for keeping books. Areas were organized according to age categories. There was a section designated for very young children, as early as one year old, featuring floor mats, soft toys, illustrated books, and construction blocks.

Parenting guides were kept within easy access, allowing adults to read while interacting with their kids. This approach helped encourage early reading habits and integrated reading into everyday routines.

If a small town views a library as crucial infrastructure, why do many of our communities and districts not have a comparable space, where individuals can freely enter and revisit regularly?

The history of libraries in America is frequently connected to a famous historical fact. Over a hundred years ago, Andrew Carnegie supported the building of numerous public libraries. His logic was straightforward: Free access would enable individuals with limited resources to acquire knowledge and enhance their lives.

Vietnam doesn’t have to wait for a wealthy individual. It can reuse public resources to generate fresh value.

Following the latest administrative reorganization and company consolidations, excess government structures have turned into a matter of public concern. In the absence of a viable strategy, these properties risk being shut down, falling into disrepair, and going to waste. They could also lead to increased upkeep and safety expenses.

They might alternatively be transformed into community libraries. A library might appear simple, yet its lasting influence can be consistent and meaningful.

The land, site, rooms, power supply, and water are already available. What is lacking is a practical layout and a successful operational framework.

Kids in Lao Cai Province in northern Vietnam flipping through comic books. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Tu Anh

Changing a “People’s Committee” sign to “Library,” placing some bookshelves, and operating inconsistently would result in nothing more than a dusty storage space for books.

For a community library to succeed and evolve into a destination people regularly visit, it needs to be viewed as a contemporary public service offering key essential functions.

The first area is designed for kids and families: a cozy reading nook featuring floor cushions, picture books, learning toys, and weekend storytime events. When children have a reason to visit, parents find a reason to remain.

Following is a study area designed for students, featuring suitable desks, adequate lighting, Wi-Fi access, reference resources, and spaces for small groups.

In more advanced regions, a basic STEM area might inspire interest and self-directed study.

A different group frequently neglected is adolescents.

Several individuals no longer belong in the children’s section but have not yet developed the habit of reading lengthy books. A specific space offering comics, magazines, instructional guides, and career-related resources can maintain their interest.

In conclusion, there needs to be room for adults and community events. This is what transforms a library into an actual meeting place. Sessions about digital abilities, job preparation, language practice, money management, and fundamental legal matters, as well as book clubs and debates, would provide the library with a consistent flow.

If previous government buildings feature expansive courtyards, small upgrades like a basic children’s play zone or outdoor fitness facilities might encourage public engagement.

These elements should stay in the background and not dominate the library’s main purpose.

What is the way to achieve this with minimal expenses?

An alternative method is to begin with basic requirements, introduce the product swiftly, and grow incrementally.

Start with pilot locations. Each commune or neighborhood may choose one or two previous offices situated in easily accessible areas, ideally close to schools, residential zones, and roads that are easy to reach.

Then perform fundamental upgrades such as repainting, enhanced lighting, operational restrooms, tables and chairs, signs, and internet connectivity.

This is much cheaper than constructing everything from the ground up while greatly enhancing the user experience.

The key component is functioning as a network. Regional libraries can act as professional centers, managing cataloging, education, and the distribution of books. Community and district libraries would function as service locations.

With consistent movement, even minor branches could update their selections and entice patrons to come back.

A blended approach for staffing may be implemented. A single local representative could serve as the point person, assisted by former educators, members of the Youth League, university students, and additional volunteers.

What is important is fundamental training and well-defined operational guidelines. If the library opens as planned, tracks book loans and returns, and organizes some consistent events every month, it already shows signs of life.

Operating hours should be consistent and made available to the public.

After operations become stable, the following step is to implement standardization using library software.

These systems facilitate organization, labeling, user-focused borrowing, late notice alerts, and information monitoring.

In a network, software also facilitates the movement between branches, tracking of stock, and clear administration of donated books.

Data offers proof of effect and backs ongoing financial support.

It’s unnecessary to buy many books initially. A limited selection that meets local requirements is more useful than a huge inventory that remains unread.

Individuals and companies can contribute effectively, as long as there are well-defined selection standards, inventory management processes, and openness. Donations need to be carefully chosen instead of being taken in large quantities.

A typical worry is determining who will manage the library and identifying sources for maintenance expenses. A community-run library doesn’t have to begin at full capacity.

Standard operating hours, possibly several evenings each week and weekend mornings, a specific individual responsible for managing the flow of materials, and a consistent plan of events are sufficient to establish routine usage.

Financial support may integrate standard public funding with well-regulated contributions, provided that openness and quantifiable results are ensured.

The biggest danger is not the absence of funds, but starting a symbolic initiative that results in a closed door and extinguished lights.

To prevent it from turning into a mere formality, every library should monitor several key metrics including the number of registered users, weekly borrowings, monthly activities, real operating hours, and circulation statistics.

Having data available, applications for funding, sponsorship, or growth can be supported by facts instead of emotions.

A former community or district office can transform into a hub for education that serves the whole neighborhood, where kids develop a passion for reading, teens discover a welcoming area, adults gain new abilities, and elderly individuals have a spot to read and socialize.

As Vietnam increases access to education and strives for more comprehensive health coverage, it makes sense to view community libraries as the next phase of investment in its people.