Quote:
Originally Posted by charleski
Physical bookshops are suffering compared to the times when they were the only outlet available, but they still represent the primary outlet, and browsing is an important part of that.
|
Not only browsing, but the main thing that physical book stores have that helps them compete is the social element of books and reading. Almost 90% of the studying I did in college was in the coffee shop section of a book store, alone or with a study group of friends.
Book circles and clubs still exist, groups that read a book together and talk about it, and they often meet in book stores. And one of my best ever book-related experiences was when I got to meet Terry Brooks in a local Borders and listen to him read a chapter of his next book to the visiting fans and take questions.
Book stores around where I live (north-west US) are becoming social hubs and meeting points, where book lovers can meet among books and talk about them, and unlike in a library, we can snack, have coffee, and talk loudly about what we love. Don't underestimate the importance of that aspect.