Read together for half an hour: From libraries to society at large

Abstract

In commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day, public and university libraries in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau have conducted the "Read Together for Half an Hour" activity since 2019. The event aims to promote the habit of reading and centers around the theme of "Taste the Book, Enjoy the Joy of Reading". The combination of cross-regional participation, the 4+N format, and a sense of ritual creates a rich reading atmosphere. The event adopts the form of "4+N" shared reading at the venue, encouraging citizens to open their books and read together. Four main reading venues were established in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau, with various reading locations such as parks, hospitals, barracks, industrial areas, cafés, communities, and schools etc. The event has been held for four consecutive years, with nearly 20,000 people in more than 500 locations reading together online and offline every year, actively interpreting the concept of "Making Reading a Life Habit