In 1954, the ALA and the American Book Publishers joined forces to form the National Book Commission, a nonprofit organization. In 1957, the Commission came up with the idea of establishing National Library Week, with the goal of promoting the love of reading and supporting libraries in the United States.
April is also recognized as School Library Month, and the ALA designates specific events for National Library Week: National Library Workers Day (Tuesday), National Book Fair Day, and Support Young People's Literature Day (Thursday). Each year, National Library Week has a new theme. The theme for National Library Week in 1954 was "Wake Up and Read!" and the theme for 2019 is "Libraries Build Strong Communities."
On the occasion of the 2019 National Library Week, the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City sent congratulations on this important cultural event and asked Vietnamese readers why they love the American Central Library in Ho Chi Minh City. For a long time, this has been a place to provide Vietnamese readers with updated information on policies and issues related to the United States such as politics, economics, trade, foreign policy, national security, education, culture, arts, etc. In addition, the Central Library also provides information on global issues such as drugs, HIV-AIDS, social and environmental issues.
The Center's library currently has about 2,000 books on the following topics: US History, US Government and Foreign Policy, Economics and Trade, Geography and Tourism, Science, Environment, Performing Arts, American Literature, American Culture...
The American Center in Ho Chi Minh City has a team of professional staff equipped with modern information access technology. Free internet service at the center can access valuable online databases.
The Center is open to students, teachers, civil servants, and the public who want to learn about American culture and education. The Center's services are completely free. In addition, the American Center also organizes free programs for the public every week. (Note: ID card is required to attend.) Programs include film screenings, talks, exhibitions, book discussions, English clubs, soft skills training, and English competitions.
