Cao Lanh City Book Street, the first of its kind in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, has generated VND9.5 billion (US$374,000) in revenue over two years of operation, with more than half coming from beverage sales.

Books and cultural products accounted for approximately 46 percent of the revenue at Cao Lanh City Book Street, located in Dong Thap Province, with over 30,000 copies sold, while the book cafés contributed about 54 percent of the turnover.

On Tuesday, the People’s Committee of Cao Lanh City reviewed the performance of the book street, which was inaugurated on November 19, 2022, marking two years of operation.

According to Truong Quang Hoa, deputy director of Cao Lanh City Book Street, the street currently features four book stalls, four stationery stalls, and three coffee stalls. 

A 45-square-meter booth has been allocated for exhibitions and thematic activities to support local cultural and tourism events.

Over the past two years, more than 85 events have been held at the book street, attracting around 20,000 visitors. 

On average, the street sees 300-500 visitors per week, with the figures rising to 800-1,000 on weekends and over 3,000 during festivals and Tet (Vietnam’s Lunar New Year) holidays.

To make the most of its potential, the management board plans to repurpose vacant stalls by hosting seasonal sales, such as back-to-school supplies, and offering calendars, paintings, and calligraphy during Tet. Despite these efforts, challenges persist.

Hoa pointed out that the book street’s activities remain limited in variety, with minimal involvement from publishers and major book distributors.

Visitor and shopper numbers have dropped 35 percent compared to the same period last year, partly due to the lack of diverse activities and the slow growth of community reading habits which require time to nurture.

Pham Thi Minh Trang, director of the Mekong Delta branch of Phuong Nam Publishing House, suggested strengthening communication and promotional efforts to attract readers from across Dong Thap Province and neighboring areas. 

She also recommended reducing rental fees to encourage long-term business and organizing author meet-and-greet events to draw more visitors and shoppers.

Le Quang Trang, deputy chairman of the Cao Lanh People’s Committee, highlighted the cultural significance of the book street, urging the management board and publishing units to diversify activities, align offerings with community needs, ensure a steady supply of quality books, improve facilities, and introduce engaging programs to draw more visitors.

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