Over 100 faculty and students of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) gathered at the library to witness the commencement of the 2025 reading festival on April 23, marking the 30th World Book Day.
In his address, Li Dapeng, vice president of HAZU said, "I hope that students and faculty will seize World Book Day as an opportunity to enrich the depth and breadth of their lives with books. May you discover a better version of yourself and a more beautiful world when reading!"
Student representative Jia Lijun shared her personal story with books. She recounted how, during emotional lows and while confined to a sickbed, reading bestowed upon her the courage to confront adversity and taught her to transmute hardships into opportunities for growth.
This year's reading festival is composed of 12 main parts, including an exhibition of ancient Chinese paintings, academic achievements from three major journals (Cell, Nature and Science) of HZAU scholars, displays of intellectual property and music, and collaborative book recommendations. The event also unveiled a list of 30 recommended books.

At the opening of the 2025 reading festival, HZAU students engage in a contextual reading session. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
To close the event, Gao Chi, Party secretary of HZAU, declared the commencement of the 2025 reading festival.