Are you the type of person who has to force yourself to get your reading done for your English class, or do you enjoy delving into a new book? Well whether you’re an avid reader or not, the future of bookstores, large and small, are being threatened. There are a number of reasons why this is happening, but it is important to know that we are still reading. A Harris Poll taken in 2010 revealed that 65% of Americans used their library, either in person, by phone, or on the computer. In addition to that, about 80% of those people who use their library regularly borrow books.

So, now that we know that we are still reading, why have so many small and large bookstores gone out of business? The first seemingly obvious reason is the rise of e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle and the Nook by Barnes and Noble. Already at $3.2 billion in worldwide sales this year, e-books are one of the most popular online purchases, and it is only growing from there. This is why all bookstores in general are feeling the pressure. The stores that seem to be safe are those that are carrying both print and digital books such as Barnes and Noble whose Nook took in about $7.1 billion for the company in 2012. This is one of the key reasons why Borders could not keep up with the competition when Barnes and Noble and Amazon went digital. There is no need to wonder why these devices are so successful due to the fact that you never have to leave your house to pick up the latest series. Marissa Bernard ’14 feels that the new forms of reading are popular for a reason, “I love the convenience of the Kindle especially when going on vacation because a whole library of books can fit on the device. Also, when I am choosing what I want to read next, I can browse or even read multiple books on one Kindle.”

Of course, as there are people who support digital reading, there will always be those who prefer traditional methods. Sophomore Aiden Moriarty is one of them, “I like both methods but real books are better, I like shopping at bookstores because it’s a more pleasant time than going through the Kindle.” There are many other people who agree that there is no other feeling like being in a bookstore. This adds to another reason Barnes and Noble has survived, as their store can be considered a gathering place with their extremely popular coffee shops. This is vital to their success because when a store appears like a popular hangout spot, it stays clear of looking empty and unsuccessful.

All of these factors make it extremely hard for small independent bookstores to stay afloat. So what will be the future of the independent bookstore? The statistics say that most books will be digital, but there will always be a want for collectors editions and physical books to adorn bookshelves in homes all over the world. As everything cycles around, most likely bookstores will do the same, and future generations might see the need for them and reinvent shops for people to discover that there is always a new book to be read.