ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The chairman of the Russian Audit Chamber said the Petersburg Book Show in St. Petersburg could help Russia become "the most-reading nation."
"A lot of figures given at the present moment testify to the fact that people are nowadays reading less in Russia, but on the other hand, such shows reflect prospects and will help us become the most reading nation once again and bring books back to the school and the family," said Sergei Stepashin at the opening ceremony of the show on Friday.
Stepashin is also chairman of the Russian Book Union, Itar-Tass reported.
The very first Petersburg Book Show is held on the 100th birthday anniversary of Academician Dmitry Likhachyov.
Visitors to the show will be given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the life and activity of Likhachyov, as well as with best editions of humanitarian literature.
Throughout the show, there will be discussions, presentations and meetings from and with prominent Russian writers.
The show will also end with a festival for children, who get into the book show for free.
