Wu Shangzhi(L), vice minister of China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, gives a book as gifts to Kristin Mc Daught, a representitive from New York Public Library during the opening ceremony.[Photo/Xinhua]

According to McDonough, though books about Chinese business and economy are popular, Chinese literature books are in scarce supply in her library.

"I really look forward to more Chinese literature books," said McDonough. "Reading (books about China) obviously can't replace the real experience of traveling there. But it is an effective substitute."