The Fourth Beijing Reading Season, the largest annual reading promotion program sponsored by Beijing Municipal Government, kicked off in the city on April 9. During the three-month-long reading season, Beijing will hold a series of events in universities, schools, libraries and communities. For example, the organizer will invite 1,000 authors from both home and abroad to meet and talk with readers. The Beijing Municipal Government offers convenient conditions for the public, making it easier for local residents to cultivate the habit of reading.

With fast economic growth and an ever-increasing number of daily pressures, the decline in reading has become a widespread social issue. People always complain they have no time for reading. Beijing Review interviewed five ardent book lovers who shared their reading experiences.

A BOOK IS AN IDEAL ASSISTANT: Cao Lei enjoys his reading time at home in Beijing on April 12. Cao, 32, works in an advertisement company. He likes reading fiction, history and biography. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows written by J. K. Rowling is Cao's favorite. Last year, Cao read eight books

A BOOK IS A MIRROR: Wang Ying, a 26-year old undergraduate doctorial student at Peking University, reads a book at the 24-hour SanlianTaofei Bookstore in Beijing on the evening of April 19. She likes to read fiction in her spare time. In Wang's view, a book is like a mirror that helps her observe the world. Last year, Wang read 15 novels in addition to those for her research

A BOOK IS A GOOD FRIEND: The mother of Yang Yezhi and Yang Yeran, 7-year-old twins, works at a press house in Beijing. Encouraged by their mother, the two brothers read every day. They prefer illustrated books. Last year, the two read a total of 300 books

A BOOK IS A GOOD REMEDY: Lei Dianqing reads a magazine in her office in Beijing on April 11. Lei uses reading to relax after a hard day's work. She says reading helped her get back to normal after suffering a misfortune a few months ago. Lei hopes to find the answer to all of life's questions in books. She finished reading 45 books last year

A BOOK IS A PARTNER: Yang Lu, a senior undergraduate majoring in journalism, reads on her kindle at a subway station in Beijing on April 9. Yang works as an intern in a media company. She takes the subway everyday to go to work. Last year, Yang read around 20 novels and other literary works