Anna Zhao

    anna.whizh@yahoo.com

    SHENZHEN is considering how best to enact a law protecting a citizen’s right to read and ensure access to reading resources. Particular attention is being paid to assisting those with impaired vision, according to remarks at a reading forum marking World Book Day.

    Huang Shifang, director of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Culture Research Center, revealed at the forum at Shenzhen Book City CBD store yesterday that the law intends to safeguard the right of Shenzhen residents to access public literature resources and regulate the operation of libraries. Since China has no law on reading rights, Shenzhen will refer to the legislation of developed countries, such as Russia, the U.S., Japan and South Korea, Huang said.

    Wang Jingsheng, the city’s publicity chief, attended the forum.

    Shenzhen library held 31 reading events and lectures yesterday, World Book Day. A new digital library, iLib, also went into use, aiming to enable enhanced reading experiences using the latest digital reading technology. A total of 172 reading events will take place across the city in April.

    In his letter to the city on the occasion of World Book Day, UNESCO representative Mauro Rosi expressed his appreciation for Shenzhen improving the literacy of its citizens.

    “Shenzhen repeatedly emphasizes creativity and innovation as its strength of development, but innovation needs to be nourished with fresh knowledge and new perspectives. Extensive reading can provide the necessary nutrients to refuel one’s brain,” said Yin Changlong, general manager of Shenzhen Publication and Distribution Group, when he addressed the forum.

    Hu Hongxia, editor-in-chief of the Daily Sunshine, told the forum that the city should foster good reading habits among children to elevate the literacy level to international standards. Hu cited Shenzhen Library statistics which indicate 78 percent of its readers are young and middle-aged people.

    During the forum, Shenzhen citizen Yang Wenran shared her story of how her life was changed by reading. The former unskilled migrant worker became a corporate manager after extensive reading and learning. Li Qing, an engineer of digital reading with Shenzhen Mobile, who has lived in Shenzhen for 15 years, said he witnessed the city transform into a city of good literacy with high-level humanistic qualities.