Andhra University Library Science Professor C. Sasikala on Tuesday suggested formulation of National Book Policy to promote book reading and address the problems faced by the writers and publishers.
She was speaking at the World Book Day celebrations conducted by the Visakhapatnam Public Library here.
Ms. Sasikala said the new policy should encourage public libraries, offer tax concessions to reduce the prices of books and initiate measures to cultivate the habit of reading among youngsters.
Former Mayor and noted lawyer D.V. Subba Rao said reading a book and a soft copy make a lot of difference and described how print-out culture had gained prominence after the advent of internet.
Presiding over the meeting, former MLA and Chairman of Visakhapatnam Cooperative Bank Manam Anjaneyulu underlined the need to popularise book-reading. Andhra University English Professor B. Indira said book-reading not only enhances the knowledge of the reader but also entertains him.