Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C Front) attends a reading activity at the National Library in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2009. Premier Wen visited the National Library and the Commercial Press on April 23, the World Book and Copyright Day.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, an avid reader, encouraged citizens to read more and be studious and selective in their reading on World Reading Day, which fell on April 23.

Wen made the remarks when visiting a branch of the Commercial Press and the National Library in Beijing on April 23.

Books are the crystallization of human wisdom and reading is important in promoting an individual's accomplishments and state of mind, improving citizens' quality and strength, and shaping a country's future, he said when visiting the National Library.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R) views a treasure collected by the National Library in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2009. Premier Wen visited the National Library and the Commercial Press on April 23, the World Book and Copyright Day.

There's no hope for individuals and the nation if citizens do not read, he said.

When talking to the young people in the library, Wen said people should find time to read.