Access to resources

China now boasts over 3,200 public libraries at the county level and above, along with nearly 68,000 library branches and service points.

This network forms a nationwide system connecting national, provincial, municipal, county, and township levels, and serving as a key platform for access to quality reading resources and participation in reading activities.

Many libraries offer networked services within cities and provinces, enabling registered readers to borrow books online and have them delivered to their homes for free. Books can be returned to different libraries, and free electronic resources are also available for registered users.

Special attention has also been given to the reading needs of minors, rural residents, and people with disabilities, with dedicated reading plans for children and rural areas.

The China Braille Library, in collaboration with over 400 libraries nationwide, promotes reading among the country's 17 million visually impaired individuals. It lifts interest in reading through annual poetry competitions, book talks, and legal knowledge speeches.

Drawing from his decade-long experience managing 13 bookstores in rural areas across Anhui, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Fujian and Guangdong provinces, Zhang sees the significance of the government's efforts to provide more support to rural areas. "Rural areas need these resources much more than urban centers," he explained.

While creating reading spaces is important, Zhang said selecting the right books for rural readers is even more crucial. "The key is to offer a diverse range of reading materials in rural areas to promote reading for all," he stressed.

Books suitable for rural reading don't necessarily have to be about practical farming topics like pig or chicken raising, or machinery repair, he said.

"This is a misconception. People often assume that rural residents aren't interested in the arts or poetry and only want useful information," he said.

"However, these practical skills can be learned through hands-on experience or by watching videos. When it comes to books, there should be a focus on humanities — literary classics and ancient poetry, general knowledge, and quality reading materials for young people, which should be given more attention in rural areas."

"Although these initiatives might seem challenging, they offer significant benefits to children," Zhang said.