Round Table China The case for regulating reading
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Dec 22, 2025 Imagine a government dedicated to transforming reading into a national ambition. Discussions center on China's initiative to regulate and promote reading, aiming to turn bookstores into cultural hubs. Insights reveal challenges like declining reading interest among youth and plans for expanding access through innovative borrowing kiosks. The hosts also explore the importance of family engagement and community resources to foster a reading culture, alongside ensuring quality digital content for the modern reader.
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Reading As A Public Service
- China is elevating reading from a personal hobby to a state-supported public service through regulation.
- The Regulation on the Promotion of National Reading aims to create a barrier-free, reader-friendly environment.
Bookstores Become Cultural Hubs
- The regulation explicitly supports physical bookstores as cultural hubs rather than just retail outlets.
- Bookstores are encouraged to host author talks, reading corners and community events to boost engagement.
Visiting Busy Multi-Story Bookstores
- Steve described visiting three large, busy multi-story bookstores in China and noted their lively atmosphere.
- He observed they were buzzing with people despite concerns about declining book sales.