In 2008, Chinese publishers learned to take on more responsibilities, particularly in times of emergency. Within 16 hours of May 12th's magnitude 8 earthquake in Sichuan province, a first aid brochure for victims was published and on its way to the disaster-stricken area. Never before has the Chinese publishing sector responded so quickly to a natural disaster. More is on the way. Brochures on psychological recovery, poems and books documenting the event compose the humanitarian aid initiated by the publishing industry.

Ancient scripts are finding a home in the new hall of China's National Library, It's the world's third biggest in terms of floor space. More than 2000 precious ancient books, including the Complete Library in Four Branches of Literature, the Yongle Encyclopedia and the Dunhuang manuscripts are restored and kept securely in the new hall.

Following the astonishing gains in book publishing in 2008, the industry faces important new challenges in the new year. According to the Fifth National Reading Poll, books read on the Internet have a two percent edge in popularity over printed works. Mobile reading has skyrocketed in popularity. In subways and railway waiting rooms, more people now read from digital devices.

In closing, let us recommend five titles which made waves in 2008:

Title: The Chinese Miracle: Retrospect and Prospect
Author: Lin Yifu
Publisher: Peking University Publishing House Publishing
Date: April 1, 2006

Title: He Zhenliang and China's Olympic Dream
Author: He Zhenliang
Publisher: Renmin Publishing House Publishing
Date: July 1, 2008

Title: The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
Author: Alice Schroeder
Publisher: Bantam Publishing
Date: September 29, 2008

Title: Qin Qiang Author: Jia Pingwa
Publisher: Writers' Publishing House Publishing
Date: April 1, 2005

Title: Codes to Tibet Author: He Ma
Publisher: Chongqing Publishing House Publishing
Date: April 1, 2008

(CCTV January 3, 2008)