THE China International Virtual Library opened July 24 in Beijing with the goal of “promoting mutual understanding between civilizations through books.”

Forty-four publishing institutions from 24 countries and regions have joined the activity, including 14 Chinese institutions and their 30 overseas counterparts. All have contributed about 160,000 books in 33 languages, covering fields of culture, literature, social sciences and education.

Du Zhanyuan, president of the library organizers’ China International Publishing Group, said: “When COVID-19 hit the global economy this year, the publishing business suffered a heavy blow, as shown both by the cancelation and postponement of important international book fairs and by problems in logistics of international books. In response to these circumstances, the CIPG initiated an online library to provide a new platform for international publishing businesses to show their books and continue cooperation, and provide a new channel for international readers to know about diverse cultures and to enhance mutual understanding.”

(Chinadaily.com)