Brasília - On the average, a Brazilian reads less than 2 books per year; 1.8 books per year, to be exact. Colombians read 2.4 books per year, the English read 4.9 books per year, Americans read 5.1 books per year and the French read an average of 7 books per year.

How do you get Brazilians to read more? In November, the Ministry of Culture will launch a campaign, the Book Hunger - National Book, Reading and Library Plan, which will increase the number of libraries and bookstores around the country, reduce taxes on books and stimulate reading. The idea is to set up a network with 14 ministries at the hub that will extend to foundations, institutions, NGOs, state-run enterprises, local officials and the publishing industry and bookstores.

The ministry will also be opening libraries in the 1,300 Brazilian municipalities that do not have them and open others in rural areas, schools, hospitals and Indian villages. Each of these new libraries will open with 2,500 volumes.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Alessandra Bastos
Translator: Allen Bennett
10/01/2004