VIENTIANE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- In a celebration of reading, students and bibliophiles gathered at the ongoing sixth Book Festival in Laos.
The festival is held in the Lao capital Vientiane from March 10 to 15. Under the theme "Books Connecting Cultures," the event aims to foster a culture of reading, promote lifelong learning, and inspire Lao youth to explore knowledge through the written word.
The event showcases a diverse array of books and features over 130 activities, including panel discussions and seminars with more than 40 experts and authors.
Wandering among the variety of books and browsing titles she was eager to read, Malilin, a 20-year-old student at the National University of Laos, said she felt excited to see her favorite and well-known books gathered in one place.
"Books help me find answers to the questions I have, whether for school or simply out of curiosity," Malilin told Xinhua on Friday.
She said she spent hours exploring the exhibition booths, adding that reading has become an essential part of her daily life.
"My grandfather always told me that books can bring us to many worlds," said Phoukhao, a Lao student, recalling how his love of reading began at home. "He used to say that through reading, we can go everywhere and learn almost anything, even without leaving our home."
Phoukha believed the festival plays a crucial role in strengthening reading habits among young people in Laos, emphasizing the importance of encouraging a passion for literature in today's rapidly changing world.
"Reading helps us continue learning throughout our lives, and developing a reading habit can help us gain more knowledge, understand other cultures and prepare ourselves for the future," he said.
Jenny, a secondary school student in Vientiane, said reading is one of her favorite hobbies and allows her to explore stories and ideas beyond the classroom.
She particularly enjoys novels, finding that reading enhances her creativity and supports her academic endeavors. ■
