[WT Sharpe]

The downside of the e-book revolution is how it has added to the increase in the number of neighborhood bookstores that are closing their doors. It is sad to see folks who have loved books all their lives and who have made their living selling books lose their livelihood. Some of the chains are hurting as well, but they are in a better position generally to deal with and profit from the increasing numbers of people who prefer to do their reading on dedicated readers, smart-phones, or other electronic devices.

On the other hand, it is heartening to see people once again beginning to take an interest in the written word. A whole new generation of readers are re-discovering the joys of reading. Perhaps even more encouraging is how people are once again reading the classics. And thanks to self-publishing, worthy new authors who formerly would have fallen through the cracks because they didn’t fit the corporate mold are discovering new ways to profitably present their wares to the public.

It’s clichéd but true: life is never static; its one constant is change. As with all new technologies, there will be winners and there will be losers. We can sympathize with the innocent victims of progress, but let us make no mistake: those who willfully and steadfastly choose to ignore the rising tide will eventually be drowned.


Oh, and in case anyone is wondering—I don’t really go around libraries and bookstores feeling and smelling books. Although I have admired the beauty and craftsmanship of many an old tome, and although with some of the raised lettering and graphics there is a certain tactile pleasure involved, I just never saw the appeal of sticking one under my nose except perhaps to scratch an itch. The last time I smelled a book, it was not followed by, “Ahhhhhhh!” It was followed by, “Where’s that blasted dog?”