A charity sale of donated books, which was held in Hong Kong this weekend, attracted 30,000 people and more than 225,000 books were sold.

"The Sale of Donated Books", which was held for the fifth year, is aiming at promoting reading, book recycling and charity.

The number of participants and books sold in this weekends have increased respectively by 20 percent and 15 percent compared with those of 2005. About 25,000 people participated and 195,000 books were sold in 2005's charity sale of donated books.

A spokesman for Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department pointed out that the success of the campaign was due to the efforts of the various organizations and the volunteers' participation. Over 1,300 sessions of volunteer service contributed to this year's campaign.

About 250,000 adults' and children's books including fiction and reference were collected this year and offered for sale at 5 Hong Kong dollars each with a limit of 30 books each buyer. All proceeds will be donated to The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2006)