1. The Japan Foundation
If you're learning Japanese or simply interested in the culture of Japan, consider visiting The Japan Foundation Library. Located within the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Center, this spacious, well-lit library is equipped with modern amenities, making it a perfect spot for many young people. The library is decorated in white and black tones, with light wood furniture that gives it a clean, modern, and distinctly Japanese feel. The shelves are built into the walls to maximize space for seating. Since the library is not overcrowded, it's easy to find a comfortable seat for yourself. The collection includes books in both Vietnamese and Japanese, along with popular manga editions in both languages. You'll also find magazines, providing insights into the lifestyle, culture, and interests of Japanese youth. Additionally, the library offers a variety of books on Japanese topics such as contemporary art, architecture, design, literature, and social issues. You can also find DVDs, music albums, and Japanese magazines that are trending at the moment. The library provides an excellent space for reading, watching Japanese films, and borrowing books and magazines, including past issues.


2. Hanoi Library
Covering an impressive area of 2,500m² with seven functional rooms, Hanoi Library is an ideal place for reading, studying, and working. Situated on a main road in the heart of Hanoi, its location makes it easily accessible. The library offers over 480,000 documents, including 402 newspapers, magazines, and approximately 20,000 materials related to Hanoi’s geography and history. Notably, the library caters to visually impaired individuals with more than 2,000 braille books. Despite its vast collection, the library is meticulously organized, with a comprehensive catalog system that makes it easy to find materials. Young visitors can read, study, or bring their own books to study in a quiet, comfortable environment. Aiming to become a modern library, Hanoi Library has invested in the LIBOL 6.0 management software, Daisy software for creating audiobooks for the visually impaired, and various other equipment like computers, scanners, laser printers, and photocopiers. All reading rooms are air-conditioned, while the book storage area is equipped with a dehumidifier and vacuum system. Furthermore, Hanoi Library has established a specialized studio for producing audiobooks for the blind. The library offers affordable membership fees for different purposes: borrowing and reading cards, borrowing-only cards, and reading-only cards. With its spacious layout and numerous rooms, Hanoi Library is also a hub for various cultural activities related to reading and literature.


3. American Center
If you're unsure where to find a peaceful spot to study or work effectively, the American Center Library is a must-visit. Managed by the U.S. Embassy, this beautiful library in Hanoi boasts a spacious layout, modern design, and a bright, inviting atmosphere. The library’s primary colors—red, blue, and white—create a harmonious, visually appealing space. It’s also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including tablets and headphones, to enhance the reading experience. The library is especially known for its vast collection of books, meticulously arranged on shelves that surround the room. If you’re looking to improve your English, this is the perfect place to visit, as you can not only study independently but also engage with other visitors and participate in games that help improve your language skills. The library houses around 4,000 books and magazines, covering various genres for different purposes. From English novels for entertainment to materials for TOEIC, IELTS, and TOEFL preparation, as well as books on American politics, law, and universities, there is something for everyone. There are also books for children, catering to a wide age range. Additionally, the library features a modern English practice room with 10 computers loaded with English movies and high-quality listening tests. Adjacent to this is a self-study area with 16 iPads offering e-books and language-learning games. One of the major benefits for students is that the library is open for free every day except Saturdays and Sundays, making it an ideal and affordable place to study and learn.


4. Pham Van Dong Library
Pham Van Dong Library is a large library and information center located at the National Economics University. Although it opened on October 24, 2017, it has already become a favorite spot, especially for young people. The library's unique architecture and modern facilities make it a popular destination for students, offering not just a great study space but also a perfect spot for social media check-ins. The library's design features a careful layout, with a mix of colors that inspire motivation for learning. The first floor of the library is an open space where students can explore a wide variety of books, ranging from specialized subjects to fields such as science, technology, economics, and social sciences. Meanwhile, the second floor serves as a place for more in-depth research, with a collection of textbooks, reference materials, and Vietnamese literature available for borrowing. Comfortable sofas are placed near the shelves, providing a relaxing environment for students to immerse themselves in the library's vast collection of thousands of books.


5. National Library of Vietnam
The National Library of Vietnam is the largest library in Hanoi. With its expansive, airy space, green trees scattered throughout the library grounds, and vibrant flower gardens lining the paths, this library is not only a place for study but also a peaceful retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy fresh air. To visit, simply bring an ID card to register for a library card, and you will have the freedom to explore the vast library. The library is equipped with modern facilities, including a comprehensive collection of books and periodicals that are easily accessible via a computerized catalog. Additionally, the library offers a selection of computers with internet access, and a dedicated area for laptop users. The National Library of Vietnam is continuously striving to be a trusted hub for knowledge and inspiration, making its mark both in Vietnam and internationally. To achieve these goals, the library is focusing on further developing its resources and services.


6. Goethe Library
The Goethe Library is located within the Goethe Institute, a leading institution for German language and culture in Hanoi. Recently renovated in 2016, the library now boasts modern facilities thanks to the talented students from the Hanoi University of Architecture and a German architect. The main reading room is spacious and bright, with contemporary lighting and air-conditioning, offering a relaxing environment with views of a green courtyard. The library is equipped with a range of new laptops for users to easily access study materials or explore the library’s collection. The library's resources mainly support the study of the German language, from beginner to advanced levels. It offers a wide variety of books and magazines covering Germany's political, social, and cultural life. You will also find famous Nobel-winning literary works and a selection of children’s books. Additionally, the library offers DVDs for listening practice on German culture and five iPads for web browsing, watching foreign films, and finding study resources. To use the library, visitors must agree to its rules and register with an ID card. If you’re a student of the Goethe Institute, you can use your student ID as a library card.


7. Ta Quang Buu Library
The Ta Quang Buu Library is part of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, one of the largest library centers in Vietnam, established in 1956. Over the years, the library has made significant contributions to the training of technical and scientific staff, playing a key role in the advancement of the country's economy, science, and technology. The library is currently open to the public, with anyone able to register as a member to borrow books or use the space for reading. Located in a spacious area with a view of the green campus, it is regarded as an ideal place for book lovers. In addition to on-site reading, visitors can borrow textbooks, reference materials, newspapers, journals, theses, and dictionaries. The library also offers a range of services including document copying, information provision on request, library orientation courses, and the hosting of conferences and workshops.

