Participants select books to read. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

The “reading for an hour” movement soon became a hit at Yunnan University (YNU) after the university’s postgraduate association organized the activity to encourage students to read for at least an hour every day, on April 22. 

The activity was also intended to mark World Reading Day which falls on April 23 as well as the upcoming 90th anniversary of the university.

Nearly 300 undergraduates and postgraduates joined in the activity, with participants required to hand in their cell phones before they were allowed to enter the classroom and read the books they had selected.

After participants have finished reading, they can write down their reaction to the books on post-it notes, and staff members will post them on the blackboard.

Some of the participants said that the activity was worth promoting as it allowed them to fully immerse themselves in reading a book in an environment free from the distraction of electronic items. 

YNU aims to continue to promote reading to its students through a variety of activities.

Students read books during the “reading for an hour” activity. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Participants in the activity leave their thoughts and feelings on the books they read on the blackboard. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]