On the first floor of the bookstore, a special counter displaying 100 important publications written on the occasion of the 16th National Congress of the CPC is inundated with readers from all over the country.

A political science teacher from Beiweilu Middle School of Beijing, in Xuanwu District, brought a group of her students here to buy books today.

"I am getting ready to write a paper on the theory of party- building after which I plan to lecture my students in this field, so here I am," she said.

Aside from Beijingers, the buyers also include readers speaking various dialects from their provinces of origin.

A manager from an enterprise in north China's Shanxi Province picked up a red-covered "The History of the Chinese Communist Party" and read attentively.

"I like reading, especially books on the history of the CPC. As a member of the CPC, I am eager to know more about the glorious history of our party," he said.

Among all the "red readings," the most attractive on bookshelves are those on President Jiang Zemin's "Three Represents " theory.

"Jiang Zemin's thought of the 'Three Represents' derives directly from Mao Zedong's thought and Deng Xiaoping's theory. I plan to research this topic," said Zhao Shangshuang, an employee from Hebei Province.

Qin Hui, manager of the bookstore's first floor, said with a daily sales volume of 20,000 yuan (2,410 US dollars), the special counter has attracted thousands of readers since it was set up four days ago.

He said that, as important works continue to arrive, the special counter will keep them in stock. Upon completion of the 16th National Congress of the CPC, the documents and tutorials about the meeting will be introduced promptly.

(China Daily November 5, 2002)