Comments on: But…they’re so pretty

By: Lynn

Lynn — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:36:10 +0000

I think Katharine gave a great analogy of why books will be around for a lot longer than most people think. It’s having that book in your hand that many of us appreciate. Besides, I love just sitting and looking at my books on the bookshelves. (By the way, I’m the one who won Lauren’s contest back in May! I still haven’t replaced my stepping stool for a rolling ladder, but hopefully one day I will!)

By: Heather Bitzer

Heather Bitzer — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:07:20 +0000

When I hear laughter from our front room, I know someone has walked over to our book shelves where The Secret Garden lives right next to The Dirt, the autobiography of Motley Crue! I just love what a display of books can do for conversation.

By: Nancy S. Thompson

Nancy S. Thompson — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 01:43:51 +0000

I can’t agree more. Real books are lovely is so many ways: the way they look, feel, even smell. You can never get that with an e-reader, only convenience. I wrote a blog post (12/6) last month about why I will always prefer a real book over an e-book. I’ve spent large amounts of money on custom-built library shelves to house my large collection and I always sneak a look at what my friends have on theirs. I could’t imagine carting an e-reader to all the places I bring my book. I love tech gadgets as much as the next person, but I will never give up on the real thing. And while I hope when my book is published that it will also be available on an e-reader, I can’t wait to hold the real thing in my hand for the first time and marvel at its beauty.

By: Katharine Owens

Katharine Owens — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 01:02:07 +0000

Melissa- I hear you, but isn’t that like saying people who’ve never owned a real painting are just as satisfied with a poster? For some, yes of course… a poster may be enough. For many, the texture of paint, the way light hits a canvas is something that cannot be replaced by the flat image in a reproduction.
Real paintings may not be common, but that doesn’t mean they are no longer appreciated.
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I think the emotional connection with a physical book will always be pleasurable to people who love reading.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:20:04 +0000

I have to agree. Libraries are beautiful and I would love, love, love to have one. With a rolling ladder. Or two. No, my dream library would *definitely* require at least two because it’s just that big. Since we’re dreaming, and all.

By: Melissa Alexander

Melissa Alexander — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:07:15 +0000

I, too, think a library of books is beautiful. But think about the kids who are born today — the ones who will likely never hold a bound textbook, the ones who will be downloading most of their books to their phones or e-readers, the ones who may not every do research for a paper in an actual library.

Now think about their children. If their parents don’t learn the same appreciation for libraries, how will that love be passed on? They’ll find printed books to be quaint, but irritating because they take up space and are never where they want them when they need them. And don’t even get me started on having to pack and move the darn things.

Our love of libraries of printed books is based in our emotional attachment to what those rows of books mean, the hours of pleasure they promise us, the joy of discovery as we look through someone’s collection. Those who come after will have those same experiences by borrowing someone’s reader, by browsing the unlimited selections in online bookstores. Printed books just won’t hold the same connotations.