A latest survey shows that half of Chinese people have read books in the past year, an increase of only 0.5 percent from 2007.

Meanwhile, each Chinese reader only bought five books in 2008 on average, with textbooks and related study materials making up a large percentage.

The state of the national readership has concerned some intellectuals. Scholars are trying to find the reasons behind the sluggish growth.

A commentary in the People's Daily points out that some Chinese see reading as useful rather than pleasurable. Thus, textbooks and related study materials have appealed to a huge number of examinees.

The article notes that the readership of minors is much higher than that of adults. It analyzes that minors have to take a series of exams during their primary school education. Therefore, youngsters who need to review textbooks and other study-assisting materials could reflect in the figures.

However, the commentary claims many adults choose not to read if they are not faced with a particular objective, like taking an examination.

In conclusion, the newspaper calls on the public to change their thinking towards reading and pick up more books for self-uplift on regular basis.