In the heart of modern and vibrant Brussels, the Muntpunt Library, Belgium's cultural reading center, has recently embraced a significant addition to its collection. On April 9, 2025, Vietnamese comic books made their debut alongside literature in Dutch, French, English, and German, marking a milestone in the library's commitment to cultural diversity.
As April unfolds in Brussels, the city continues to pulse with the rhythm of contemporary European life. Yet, within a small corner of the Muntpunt Library, the largest library in Belgium's capital, a fresh breeze of cultural enrichment has swept through. For the very first time, the Vietnamese language—rich in tonal beauty and cultural depth—has found its place on the shelves, becoming an integral part of Brussels' colorful cultural tapestry. These books are not just mere stories; they serve as a vital connection for children far from their homeland to their cultural roots.
The collection, donated by the General Association of Vietnamese People in Belgium (UGVB), is specifically aimed at children aged 0-6 years, nurturing the growth of young minds between two cultures. The library now boasts a variety of titles, including folk tales such as "Cây tre trăm đốt," sweet children's poems, and vibrant comic books. Each page carries not only educational messages but also serves as a bridge connecting children to their heritage.
Brenda, the head of the children's section at Muntpunt, shared her insights with a reporter from TTXVN. She emphasized the library's ongoing efforts to support immigrant communities, including the Vietnamese, in preserving their mother tongue and establishing a solid foundation for children's reading habits. "Having children exposed to Vietnamese books, not just at home but in a public cultural space, is incredibly valuable," she remarked.
Nguyen Chung Thuy, who oversees the Culture-Social Board of UGVB, expressed hopes beyond merely introducing books to the library. She envisions creating a genuine "Vietnamese corner" where children can read, listen to poetry, engage in folk games, and naturally converse in their mother tongue. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and belonging among Vietnamese children living in Belgium.
During the book donation ceremony, the Muntpunt Library transformed into a vibrant space reflecting Vietnamese culture. Laughter echoed as children gathered to play traditional games like ô ăn quan, a pastime that seems to have been forgotten in the age of technology. Parents introduced their children to these games, sharing slices of their memories from home. Among the young participants was 13-year-old Vũ Hồng Ngân, who expressed her feelings about holding the books: "It feels like I'm in Vietnam reading with my grandparents back home." Thanks to the Vietnamese Book Collection, Hồng Ngân can continue to read and write in Vietnamese, despite living abroad.
Another poignant moment came from Lisa, nearly 9 years old, who was born and raised in Belgium. She moved many to tears as she fluently read a collection of children's poems in Vietnamese. "My mother often sings lullabies, reads poetry, and tells me fairy tales in Vietnamese," Lisa shared. Even though writing in Vietnamese presents challenges due to its many tones and accents, she is determined to learn gradually. What Lisa enjoys most is being able to read Vietnamese books and discover more about her heritage through these colorful stories.
Additionally, Kieu Bich Huong, a writer and journalist who has lived in Belgium for many years, donated the comic book series "Mật hiệu OGO" to the Muntpunt Library. This series vividly reflects the lives of children in multicultural families, who often navigate the humorous and challenging situations of balancing their identities between two worlds: their heritage and integration into a new culture. Huong emphasized that reading in one's mother tongue not only helps children understand their ethnic identity but also strengthens the bond between parents and children in multilingual environments.
For many Vietnamese parents in Belgium, maintaining the Vietnamese language within their multicultural families is crucial. They have formed small groups to share experiences and encourage each other in teaching Vietnamese to their children, believing that their mother tongue is not just a means of communication but also a spiritual connection—a door opening to a world filled with love and memories. The event of donating Vietnamese books to the Muntpunt Library transcends being a mere community activity; it is infused with emotion and significance. The presence of Vietnamese literature in the heart of Europe affirms that the Vietnamese language deserves a place among the hundreds of languages and cultures converging in this vibrant city.
Now, these small books, written in the language of a country over 9,000 kilometers away from Brussels, sit proudly on the shelves, held in the hands of children, and woven into the fabric of their childhood dreams of home.
