Dr Marielza Oliveira, director and UNESCO representative to the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea.(Photo provided to China Daily)

People are encouraged to read more books to fight against the novel coronavirus on World Book and Copyright Day.

Hundreds of mothers from China and overseas initiated a proposal for people all over the world to read at the second Confucian holy land reading club activity, with the theme that the epidemic is merciless while books are full of love and strength.

Delivering the message that reading books is an important ladder for human friendship, mutual aid and progress, the event is co-organized by the AIDS Prevention Education Project for Chinese Youth and Nishan Maternal Love Academy in Qufu, East China's Shandong province, the birthplace of China’s great philosopher Confucius.

COVID-19 has reduced our mobility and kept us socially distant. But thanks to the magic of books, we transcend isolation and remain connected. Reading keeps our imagination alive and gives us wings to travel to every corner of the world, said Dr Marielza Oliveira, director and UNESCO representative to the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea.

"While you are at home, pick up a book to read alone, or with your children and family members. Reading creates a sense of community and solidarity, which is what we very much need right now to fight against the virus," said Oliveira on April 23, the 25th World Book and Copyright Day.