19/12 Book Street, an ideal destination for BIDV's reading culture activities.
This street, with its unique name and connection to the heroic struggle of the people of Hanoi, has now become a cultural space for reading. This street has an interesting story and is an ideal destination for organizing activities to promote reading culture at BIDV.
Against the backdrop of a glorious past...
Located next to the Hanoi People's Court, connecting Hai Ba Trung Street and Ly Thuong Kiet Street, "19/12" Street was named after a French official who served as Governor-General of Tonkin (1909-1912) during the French colonial period - Rue Simoni. It was later renamed "Le Chan" Street during the 1945-1946 period.
On December 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh issued a call for nationwide resistance. Thousands of brave soldiers and citizens of Hanoi sacrificed their lives and were buried in a simple mass grave in Le Chan neighborhood. After 1954, the grave site was named the Cemetery of Martyrs and People Who Sacrificed Their Lives on National Resistance Day. In 1981, the city organized the excavation and transfer of remains to Bat Bat Cemetery (Ba Vi, Ha Tay). The old street was restored and renamed 19/12 Street to commemorate the National Resistance Day.
Later, people flocked here to hold a market. In 1985, the city officially established a temporary market called the 19/12 Market. Because the market was held on the site of an old cemetery, people called it the "Underworld Market." The market had a full range of fresh and dried goods, as well as traditional dishes brought from Ha Tay to serve those who enjoyed them.
In 2017, the city planned to transform the area of the local market into a Hanoi Book Culture Space. 19/12 Street has broken the record for the street without house numbers, previously held by Hoa Lo Street in Hanoi. While Hoa Lo Street has only one "house"—the Hoa Lo Prison historical site—that opens onto the street, 19/12 Street is even more unique in that it is the only street without any doors opening onto the street.
The book street space opens up a wealth of knowledge.
Officially opened on May 1st, 2017, this is also the first book street in Hanoi. The book street is supported by many leading publishers, and the book stalls are designed and built in a modern, friendly style, making them easily accessible to the public.
Besides the book stalls, there are also many areas such as a small square for interaction and book introductions; a public electronic information station - e-books; a beverage area; free Wi-Fi; a souvenir and flower shop; and many flower gardens, trees, and miniature landscapes, etc.
Hanoi's book street isn't just for bookworms; it's also perfect for those looking for a refreshing place to relax on weekends. It's also a popular spot for young people who love taking photos for social media.
The ideal destination for BIDV's reading culture promotion activities in Hanoi.
The 19/12 Book Street was created not only to recall the heroic struggle of the people of Hanoi but also to contribute to spreading the reading culture widely to the community. At BIDV, since 2020, the entire system has implemented the project: "Joining hands to spread the habit of reading books at BIDV".
Accordingly, many meaningful activities related to reading culture have been launched, such as BIDV bookstores, book review competitions, book exchange events, fundraising for charity through book sales, etc. These activities contribute to building a culture of learning and creativity at BIDV, enriching the bank's core values, and fostering a team of employees who are not only professionally competent but also possess extensive knowledge.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, connected to many major streets and historical landmarks in the capital, 19/12 Book Street is an ideal destination for organizations to promote reading culture, while also exploring cultural and historical aspects and fostering patriotism among young cadres.
