'Govt Campaign To Promote Reading Falls Short'

A survey by the Hong Kong Publishing Professionals Society has found that 30 percent of the people they spoke to did not read even one book last year.

This is despite the launch of a government campaign last year to promote reading in Hong Kong. But the poll of 1,800 people also found that 80 percent of those who took part in the survey had not even heard about this official programme.

The government is set to roll out its next annual reading campaign on April 23 to mark World Book Day.

The group also said that the percentage of those who don't read books has hovered around 30 percent over the past few years despite the campaign.

It said officials have to do more to promote reading. The society's vice-chairwoman, Rebecca Chee, said this drive should not be limited to a single day, but should be carried out every day of the year.

She said there should be more interactive events for book readers organised in all districts.

But in Hong Kong when authors or publishers try to do such things, libraries and the public think they are doing it for financial gain, she said. "In Hong Kong no one can make money by writing books or publishing books," Chee said.

She said the government can help by organising events like talks by authors in various libraries.

Chee told RTHK's Candice Wong that the SAR needs to catch up with other cities in the region which are doing a better job.