What is Mobile Library and Why is it Established?
Mobile Library, an innovative and enriching concept, aims to promote the joys and benefits of reading in public spaces while integrating the cultural elements of the regions it touches. It goes beyond conventional tourism by providing a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore literature in a communal setting. The initiative is especially relevant in countries like Cambodia, where literature and reading habits have experienced decline in recent years.
In Cambodia, the Amnan Tourism campaign, founded by Mr. Ouk Vanday of Sala Doung, embodies this vision. The word “Amnan,” which translates to “reading,” reflects the campaign’s core mission—encouraging reading as a public practice. This initiative features a mobile library containing around 1,400 books, ranging from history and religion to children’s literature and environmental awareness. Mr. Vanday, a passionate advocate for reading, has dedicated six years to teaching children about the joy of books in his community on Mount Kirirom. His commitment to foster a reading culture is evident as he takes the mobile library throughout Cambodia, hoping to cultivate a love for books among the youth and the general public.
The mobile library, parked near significant public places such as Botum Park in Phnom Penh, is housed in a vibrant, refurbished 1972 car. This eye-catching orange vehicle symbolizes the warmth and vitality of reading, designed to attract attention and encourage passersby to engage with its contents. By setting up in locations with high foot traffic, Mr. Vanday ensures that reading can become a social activity. Through gestures like inviting the community to freely read for extended hours, the campaign promotes accessibility, inclusivity, and the idea that reading should be enjoyed without hesitation or embarrassment.
As Amnan Tourism travels to provinces like Kampot and Kep, aiming to further energize the community’s reading habits, it sets the stage for a cultural shift. Scheduled to operate in these areas for several days, the initiative invites locals to sit quietly, discover new books, and shape a more literate society. Mr. Vanday’s hope for Amnan Tourism is clear: he aspires to inspire everyone—regardless of age or background—to prioritize reading and integrate it into their daily lives, both in private and in public spaces.
Ultimately, Amnan Tourism represents a promising step towards revitalizing reading culture in Cambodia. With plans for future expansion, should the trial run prove successful, more provinces stand to benefit from this movement designed to awaken minds and cultivate a lifelong love for reading. By blending the concept of tourism with the advocacy of literature, Reading Tourism is poised to transform how Cambodians interact with books and each other.
Samdech Hun Manet Advocates for the Establishment of Reading Spots in Parks and Towns
Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet has praised the “Mobile Library” initiative led by Mr. Ouk Vanday, which inspires a love for reading in public spaces. He encouraged provinces and municipalities to adopt this model by creating designated reading corners or areas in parks and towns across the country.
During the graduation ceremony for students of the Vanda Institute on March 11, Samdech Hun Manet stated, “It is not necessary for Ouk Vanday to arrive for it to become quiet. We can create our own spaces for reading. There is no shortage of books. I believe it is not difficult to gather 1,000 books for weekend reading or the same in Phnom Penh. If needed, a walking street should be established somewhere for a reading corner. All it requires is placing some chairs and books in that area.”
At the same ceremony, Samdech Hun Manet acknowledged the positive trend of reading in Cambodian society, noting that previous book fairs have seen significant public participation. He also urged parents to encourage their children to read more and spend less time on their mobile phones.
Samdech Hun Manet’s call to establish reading areas in public spaces coincides with Cambodia’s celebration of the 10th anniversary of National Reading Day on March 11. This year’s National Reading Day is celebrated under the theme “Reading Connects People Across Generations in Society,” aimed at promoting the importance of reading and writing.
On his Facebook page, Samdech Hun Manet further emphasized that a society that supports both writers and readers will foster knowledge essential for sustainable human resource development.