Nguyen Canh Binh, chairman of Alpha Books representing 16 other companies which sell books on the street recently submitted a proposal to Hanoi authorities to propose a new management board. 

Hanoi’s book street has attracted fewer visitors

According to the proposal, during the first three months of operation with the active support from media, the business of the street book was quite good. Each shop’s revenues were estimated at VND125 million (USD5,681) per month on average. However, after that, the figures dropped to around VND50 million (USD2,272) per month.

The companies have suggested that Hanoi’s authorities should subsidise the cost of maintaining the trees and lawns as well some others to help reduce their shop rentals. They also called for marketing assistance.

The companies have proposed the establishment of a firm which specialises in managing the book street directly. The companies must have good understanding of books and publishing activities and can help link between publishing houses. Besides the management, the company will co-operate with book companies to hold book events during national holidays.

Following the proposal, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications Nguyen Minh Khanh said that the department worked with authorities of Hoan Kiem District to promote the street. 

They agreed on the book street management board which includes representatives from publishing houses, the department and Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee.

Vu Trong Quan from First News book firm said being located in the city centre of Hanoi where is near many historical sites is an advantage for the development of the book street. He also highlighted the importance of setting up a direct management board for the street.

Publishers need more support from Hanoi’s authorities, he said, adding that HCM City book street has operated quite well so far and “Hanoi could learn experience from this,” Quan noted.

Literary critic Pham Xuan Nguyen said that for a long time, Dinh Le and Nguyen Xi streets in Hanoi were already famous for selling books and continued to be popular with customers. So something would have to be done to improve the popularity of the new street.

Meanwhile, writer Do Phan said that books in the book street were more expensive than those sold at the already popular Dinh Le and Nguyen Xi street book shops. He suggested that Hanoi’s book street should have been located at a place already extremely popular with book buyers.