The New York Public Library is situated on 42nd Street, adjacent to Bryant Park. While it is a privately funded institution, it is open to the public and offers free access to all visitors. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by a sternly dressed woman at the entrance. Regardless of one's background, all visitors are required to undergo a security check as they pass through the gate. The security personnel asked everyone to open their bags for inspection before granting entry. It is worth noting that this library boasts one of the most exquisite interiors we have ever encountered in New York.

The FORD Foundation's documentation introduces the New York Public Library in the following manner:

"A century ago, New York, the greatest city in America, lacked a true public library. Today, owing to ambitious vision and the support of millions, The New York Public Library has earned recognition as one of the world's largest public libraries. When the main library building was constructed in 1911, it stood as a monumental structure crafted from marble. It is now known as the Library of Humanities and Social Sciences. Presently, the New York Public Library stands as a cornerstone of American tradition, promoting equal opportunities. It is open and free, ensuring that people, regardless of income, religion, race, or any other distinguishing factor, have access to the pinnacle of human knowledge. It is a university for all, a sanctuary for scholars and authors, a vital resource for civil servants, scientists, and businesspersons, and a national treasure. It upholds the principles of freedom of information and independence of thought, enabling individuals to pursue education according to their unique interests, abilities, readiness, and desires. It facilitates the free exchange of ideas and the right to dissent. The mission of the New York Public Library is to utilize its available resources in a balanced program for collecting, organizing, and preserving books and other materials, thereby providing rapid access to readers, both within the library and remotely through its networked and collaborative library systems. The New York Public Library bears the responsibility of being a repository of knowledge at the heart of one of the world's largest information hubs, acting as an integral part of the global information ecosystem and fostering learning nationwide and worldwide. Comprising the New York Public Library, the Astor Foundation, the Lenox Foundation, and the Tilden Foundation, this institution encompasses four research centers in Manhattan, along with 85 branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It is the sole library to possess globally renowned research centers and an extensive network of branch libraries, all of which offer free access to everyone. It boasts more documents than any other public library in the nation and stands as the world's largest research library, with an extensive branch and information system."

Cutting-edge technology enables users to access the library's document collections from anywhere in the world. The library's collections reflect its democratic and inclusive ethos, housing tens of millions of documents, including some of humanity's most enduring cultural treasures, such as handwritten versions of the Gutenberg Bible and the original draft of the American Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, alongside documents chronicling the everyday lives of individuals who might otherwise be forgotten.

The library building is grand in scale, with wood and stone serving as its primary materials. The rooms are adorned with exquisite wood paneling and intricate carvings. Information technology and automation are effectively integrated into the library's operations, with a robust computer network supporting a comprehensive big data system, enabling quick information retrieval. The library also features a ticketing system and a book delivery system. However, due to the high demand for books, readers may experience a wait time of 20 to 40 minutes to obtain their requested books.

This splendidly restored library is fully funded by generous benefactors, and its walls are adorned with large-format oil paintings celebrating books, printers, and publishers. Even in its décor, the library reflects American practicality, blending aesthetic values seamlessly with its core mission. For instance, a reading room sponsored by a publishing magnate is decorated with portraits of notable publishers associated with him. The library also hosts exhibitions on important historical documents and texts that have shaped America's development.

Ms. Paul Lecle, the Library's President, described it as a uniquely American institution. She led us into the main reading room, an expansive space equipped with numerous computers, known as the Rose Reading Room. Visitors from around the world come to this room to access the internet, with everyone sitting in silent concentration in front of their screens, wearing headphones. When I visited the Asia room, I noticed a wealth of books on China, Korea, and Japan, but only a handful of books on Vietnam, none of which were particularly representative. The room's curator informed us that they had books on Vietnamese antiquities and the Buddhist church but had only a small selection of literary works. It became evident that we still have much work to do in promoting our literature on the global stage. I presented the room manager with my book, "Bald Calf" (Daily life stories during war) published by Thanh Nien Publishing House in 1999 and later republished by Literature Publishing House in 2001. Observing his respectful demeanor as he perused the pages of the book that chronicled our people's seven-year struggle against American invaders to secure our nation's independence and freedom, I was overcome with a profound sense of emotion. On those days when I traversed the jungle, dodging American B52 bombs, I held steadfast to my belief in our nation's ultimate victory. However, I never envisioned that I would one day set foot on American soil to present a book about our fight against American forces. Through this book, I hope that our American friends will gain insight into the unwavering love for peace that resides within the Vietnamese people, even when circumstances compel us to take up arms in defense of our sovereignty and liberty.

Before bidding us farewell, the Library's Chairwoman expressed her desire for collaboration and exchange with Vietnam, underscoring the importance of recognizing the synergy between individual and governmental support. The government's support for a public institution like the New York Public Library exemplifies a high level of democracy and commitment to knowledge dissemination.