To arouse public interest on reading and writing, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) collaborates with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the seventh consecutive years to organise an array of activities at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2007. The event will be held from 18 to 24 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The "Critics' Recommendation", well-received in previous years, aims to enrich our reading experience by promoting broader reading habit among the public. Thirty-three critics comprised of local renowned scholars, writers and celebrities were invited to comment on books selected by the ADC Book Fair Selection Panel. This year, the number of new books selected has been increased to 60 to offer a wider range of choice to book lovers. The commentary will be published for free distribution at the Fair.

To facilitate literary exchanges across the Strait, famous scholars and writers are invited to share their views at the seminar on reading culture of the three areas across the Strait at 11:30am on 21 July in Rm 306-308 of HKCEC. Speakers include Ms Tie Ning (Chairman of China Writers' Association), Prof Chang Hsiao-feng (Centre of General Education, National Yan Ming University) and local writer Ms Chau Mat-mat while young local writers Ms Tse Hiu-hung, Dorothy and Mr Liu Wai-tong will be the respondents. Mr Hon Man-po (Chairman of ADC's Literary Arts Group) will be the moderator. The seminar will be conducted in Putonghua. Admission is free. For enrolment, please register at the web site http://hkbookfair.tdctrade.com .

Also on the activity list is the "Reading Write-up Competition for Students" which aims to promote literary reading and writing among students. This year, the response is overwhelming with more than 1,100 entries. The award presentation ceremony will be held in Rm 601 at 11:30am on 18 July. Winning entries will be displayed at the Fair and uploaded to the ADC's website.

At the ADC's booth, publications and VCDs supported by the ADC will be available for sale. A variety of arts performances and workshops such as xiqu, dance, classical guitar and puppet show will be held to enlighten the Fair. Participants can also interact with the performers and learn the secrets of gestures and make-up of traditional xiqu performances.

The ADC exhibition booth is located at Hall 1, HKCEC (Booth no.: 1A30-34，1B29-33). Welcome to join us and share the joy of reading!