This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
Published on June 14, 2020, by John Fox, a literature student in the 1960s, recalls how academics predicted that the increasing use of computers would lead to a decline in the English language, but this didn't happen.
Similarly, the rise of e-books and audio-books was expected to lead to a decline in print book sales, but this hasn't occurred either.
According to Meryl Halls, Managing Director of the Booksellers' Association in the UK, 'I think the e-book bubble has burst somewhat; sales are flattening off. I think the physical object is very appealing.'
So, why do people still prefer physical books? For John Fox, it's about collecting and the pleasure of owning a physical object. He enjoys rearranging his bookshelves and admiring the cover designs, fonts, and photographs.
Chan Bahal, owner of BookStop at Yaya Centre, Nairobi, shares a similar sentiment. He used to worry about the impact of e-books on his business but was relieved to see that print books continued to thrive.
Chan attributes the continued popularity of physical books to childhood memories. 'Books were among our earliest birthday presents. We enjoyed the thrill of turning a page and finding something new. We grew up with books.'
During the coronavirus pandemic, BookStop experienced an unexpected surge in sales as people turned to reading as a way to pass the time while confined to their homes.
Interestingly, the age range of book buyers has shifted, with many young women in the 18-30 age range purchasing books. As Chan Bahal noted, 'You see!'
