New legislation is in the pipeline aimed at promoting reading among the public, according to reports. But legislation alone cannot encourage more people to read, said a column in People's Daily (excerpts below).

"Read more or you are breaking the law." A joke has been spreading ever since the State Administration of Film, Radio and Television revealed a State plan of legislating to promote reading among the public.

Of course, if the law passes, it should mainly define the government's responsibility in constructing more libraries and offering more funds, instead of forcing citizens to read. The practice of promoting reading through legislation has proved quite effective in developed countries like the United States, Japan and France.

However, the low reading rate of the Chinese people has many causes, and a lack of government support is not the primary one. Actually, over the years the State has accelerated the construction of libraries and related infrastructure, but many of them lack visitors. Personally, I once witnessed boxes of donated books lying on the floor in a modern cultural center; the reading room was completely empty. It is impossible to raise the reading rate through legislation alone.

It is quite difficult to help adults form the habit of reading; many developed countries that have regulations on reading are also trying to help children by urging schools and education institutions to offer reading facilities.

The problem is that in China, where exam-oriented education still reigns, schools generally do not encourage children to read extra-curricular books for their own interests. The planned legislation might not be so effective unless it can change this situation, which it will not do, according to reports.

So, do not place too much hope in this legislation. Many more measures are needed to promote the habit of reading among the public, and legislation cannot provide them all.