Book lovers can enjoy a quiet time-out, by skimming through a classic or two in several free reading areas - launched in Beijing on Tuesday. The program, which covers libraries, bookstores, and even the internet, is timed to coincide with the run-up to World Book Day, on 23rd April.

The reading area program is being run in libraries and bookstores, including the National Library of China, Sanlian Bookstores, Wangfujing Book Store, and Peking University library. Each institution has created a special free reading area, filled with thousands of books.

It's attracting many people, especially youngsters.

A student, Xia Junyu, said," There are many interesting books, such as "The Adventures of Tintin". And I don't even need to pay, so I like reading here."

Biographies, science, literature, or history, no matter what takes your interest, it's all here. Each area also has a visitor's book, so readers can share their thoughts.

One reader was keen to tell everyone what comments he'd left. He said, "I'm Yu Mi, I like reading."

Organizers say they've also set up free reading libraries in Beijing's surrounding villages. An online reading area has also been launched, for those who prefer their book reading experiences in the virtual world.

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