To arouse public interest on reading, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) joins hands again with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to organise a variety of activities including competition and conference at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2006. This year, the event will be held from 19 to 24 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Critics' Recommendation, in its sixth consecutive year, will invite local renowned critics to comment on books selected by the ADC Book Fair Selection Panel. Based on the quality, 40 sets of newly published books were selected for 25 critics to comment. The commentary will be published for free distribution at the Book Fair.

To foster discussion on Chinese literature, famous scholars and writers are invited to share their views at a conference, entitled "In Search of Humanity in the 21st Century", at 3:30 pm on 19 July (Wednesday) in Hall 7 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Speakers include Mr Liu Xin-wu and Ms Hong Ying from the Mainland, Mr Chu An-min and Ms Su Wei-zhen from Taiwan as well as local author Ms Lo Wai-luen (Xiao Si). Admission is free. The seminar will be conducted in Putonghua. Simultaneous interpretation of Cantonese is available. There will be a Meeting with the Speakers Session held at 5:00 pm at Rooms 406, 605-608. For enrolment, please register at the web site www.bookfair.com.

Also on the activity list is the Reading Write-up Competition for Students. The award presentation ceremony will be held in Rm 601 at 11:30 am on 19 July. This year, the response is overwhelming with more than 900 entries.

The ADC exhibition booth is located at Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Booth no.:1A30-34, 1B29-33). Publications of literary arts, dance, film and visual arts, VCD supported by the ADC are available for sale. Performances and workshops such as puppet show, xiqu and musical performances are held at the booth for public appreciation and participation.