The perception I set out to challenge in this project — that print reading is dying — doesn't hold up in bookstores. Karyn Bonham, a bookseller at ABC Books, has witnessed a growing number of young readers choosing physical books over digital ones. I spoke to her to gain a bookseller's perspective on why print continues to thrive in the digital age.
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When asked about customer preference between digital and physical books, Bonham didn’t hesitate.
“People are definitely choosing physical media over digital these days, especially younger customers. I’ve noticed there’s a desire to have something tangible — something you can hold in your hand, savour, and enjoy rather than just scrolling endlessly. A lot of people are really tired of scrolling.”
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She said that many customers feel they retain information better when reading from a physical book compared to a screen. Whether they’re studying, reading for pleasure, or part of a book club, the act of turning pages seems to make a difference.
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“I have a lot of younger customers now buying books. Ten years ago, it wasn’t that way. Most of our customers were middle-aged or older, and while we’ve retained that older customer base, we’re now seeing high school and university students coming in looking for books, magazines, and even DVDs. It really upends people’s expectations, especially older customers who assume young people don’t read. But in my experience, I see the exact opposite.”
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Bonham believes this shift is partly due to younger generations growing up in a digital world and now seeking an alternative.
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“You get so overwhelmed with information, and there’s a fear of missing out. Sitting down with a book for an hour or two lets people shut out the noise, take control over their environment, and engage with information in a more meaningful way.”
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While it might seem ironic, social media — particularly BookTok — has played a major role in getting people back into bookstores.
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“A lot of customers initially come in with lists from BookTok, but over time, they start expanding beyond those recommendations and discovering their own tastes. It starts with seeing other people buying books and thinking, ‘That looks interesting, I’ve always wanted to check that out.’ Once they step inside, they get to browse, explore, and find what truly resonates with them.”
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When it comes to the best place to read, Bonham has a unique approach.
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“I find it difficult to concentrate at home, so I’m always reading on the go — on the bus, subway, in coffee shops. Sometimes I’ll go to the reference library and just curl up in a quiet corner. You’d think reading would be a solitary experience, but I actually like being around people while I read. There’s something about having your own private world within the pages while still being part of the world around you.”
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With bookstores finding new life and more people rediscovering the joy of holding a book in their hands, it’s clear that reading is far from dead. It might just be entering a new chapter.