The cooperative relationship between the National Library of Viet Nam (NLV) and Spanish libraries and cultural institutions has been maintained for many years, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Viet Nam. On the morning of August 24, 2026, in Hanoi, Ambassador Carmen Cano de Lasala paid a working visit to the NLV. The NLV's Director Nguyen Xuan Dung hosted the meeting, with the participation of officials from the Embassy and the NLV. Introducing the NLV, Director Nguyen Xuan Dung gave an overview of the Library's history, functions, responsibilities, and position within the Viet Nam's library system. He also highlighted several notable activities in preserving, promoting, and disseminating cultural and historical values, contributing to bringing Viet Nam's heritage and knowledge to readers both at home and abroad. The relationship between the NLV and the National Library of Spain (NLS) was formalized through a cooperation agreement signed in 2005, with the active support and facilitation of the Spanish Embassy in Viet Nam. Over the years, the Embassy has presented the NLV with hundreds of valuable books on numerous occasions, enriching the Library's collections on the history, culture, country, and people of Spain and meeting the needs of Vietnamese readers interested in learning more about Spain.
2026 marks the 90th WLIC and the second time South Korea has hosted the Congress since 2006. Attracting nearly 3,200 delegates from 111 countries and territories - with first-time attendees making up 50% - this year’s convention unites national library leaders, global libraries and information communities representatives, researchers, educators, librarians, interns and publishers, and library equipment venders. The opening ceremony kicked off with a welcoming message from the First Lady of South Korea, followed by addresses from the Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City Chun Jae-soo and the IFLA WLIC 2026 Organizing Committee. The event also featured cultural performances that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity, deeply reflecting the host nation’s rich cultural identity. At the Congress, South Korean member of the National Assembly Jiho Cha delivered a speech on the topic “Universal AI Society – Reshaping the intellectual infrastructure for a sustainable future”...
Pursuant to Decision No. 476/QD-BVHTTDL of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Library of Viet Nam organized a training course entitled "Library Communication in the Digital Age" throughout June and July 2026. The program aims to enhance the communication competencies of library professionals across the country in the context of intensive digital transformation. The curriculum focuses on updating knowledge on modern media trends, while imparting skills to integrate digital platforms, social networks, and artificial intelligence into library operations. Furthermore, the training course provides a forum for participants to exchange practical experiences, share successful communication models, and discuss effective solutions, thereby enhancing operational quality and strengthening the connection between libraries and the community. In the context of intensive digital transformation across all sectors, library activities also face the need for innovation in management thinking, service methods, and communication approaches as libraries are no longer just places for storing and providing materials, but are gradually becoming creative spaces connecting communities and spreading knowledge through digital platforms.
The 2026 Asia-Pacific Public Library Forum (APPLF 2026) was held in Taichung City, Taiwan (China) on May 14, 2026 under the theme "Strategies, Innovation, and Future of Reading Promotion." The event was hosted by the National Library of Public Information (Taiwan) in collaboration with several major public libraries in Taiwan. The forum brought together more than 150 participants, including library managers, experts, scholars, and librarians from eight countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (China), and Viet Nam. The National Library of Viet Nam sent two representatives to attend and present papers at the Forum. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the APPLF 2026, representatives of Ministry of Education and the National Library of Public Information of Taiwan emphasized the role of libraries as an indicator of a nation’s soft power, and expressed their hope that the forumwould help identify key factors for the transformation of library in a rapidly changing era.
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