Book events bring joy of reading to Qingpu

A series of literary events kicked off across Qingpu District on Thursday, bringing reading seminars, book fairs and writer talks to all 11 of its sub-districts.

“People living in suburban areas have fewer literary resources compared with urban residents,” said Shi Hongying, deputy manager of Shanghai Book Company, which is running the events. “We want to bring more good content to their doors.”

Shi said the company will also bring books and lectures to rural villages. They will listen to the residents’ opinion on their favorite book genres as well.

Qingpu has already been active in promoting reading. On the third weekend of every month, a book fair is hosted in Zhujiajiao, a water town, offering residents the chance to buy and exchange books.

Meanwhile, Qingpu will cooperate with Wujiang and Jiashan, in neighboring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, to bring more lectures and book events to the Yangtze River Delta Region.

Xu Jiong, head of the Shanghai Press and Publication Bureau, said cultural exchange is a crucial part of the delta's integration, and Qingpu is Shanghai's gateway to the region.