Publishing Journal ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (2): 20-30.

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Exploring the Development of the Secondhand Book Industry in the Context of National Legislation Promoting Nationwide Reading

  

  1. School of Information Management, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023
  • Received:2026-02-26 Online:2026-05-08 Published:2026-05-08

Abstract:

This article analyzes the fundamental connotations of “new books” and “secondhand books” . By reviewing typical examples of antiquarian and secondhand book operations in the history of China’ s book industry, it points out that the antiquarian and secondhand book market comprising secondhand bookstores, street bookstalls, online secondhand book platforms auctions, and secondhand books, renewed knowledge market events——constitutes an integral part of a country’ s cultural market. It argues that secondhand books with recycling and redistributive value also represent a specific component of “increasing the supply of high-quality content for nationwide reading” as stipulated by the State Council’ s Regulations on Promoting Nationwide Reading. To this end, the article calls on relevant government departments to grant the antiquarian and secondhand book industry policy support as part of “cultural undertakings”. It looks forward to antiquarian (secondhand) bookstores evolving with the times and embracing a “renewal of old stores”, while ensuring the sustainable development of “secondhand book markets”, jointly promoting nationwide reading and building a Nation of Readers.

Key words:

Antiquarian and secondhand book industry Secondhand book market Antiquarian bookstores Secondhand books, renewed knowledge market Regulations on Promoting Nationwide Reading

CLC Number: