The Home Library VS the Kindle

It’s a modern day conundrum which all book lovers face – the choice between traditional physical books, made out of real paper, and e-books, which are stored on the cloud and read on an e-reader. There are many arguments for both types of book collecting, but many people refuse to let go of their beloved paper and ink archives.

Many avid readers sit on the fence, and own both physical and digital books. They could have a Kindle and mainly use this while commuting on the train, and have a full library at home bursting with books from floor to ceiling. As we’re in the midst of a digital revolution, many people presume the physical book will have to die at some point – along with DVDs and CDs, as everything now is digitally streamed. But not everyone agrees.

After all, can anything really compare to the smell of a new book? Turning the crisp pages in your hands, keeping it proudly displayed on your bookshelf forever? We certainly don’t think so.

However, there’s no denying the phenomenal force of e-books, even if sales of Kindles and e-readers may be on the decline. And of course, they do have their advantages – you can carry your entire book collection everywhere you go, and it even saves trees being cut down for printing. But have they really threatened the physical book and the idea of a library?

Here are just a few reasons why we don’t think the home library is about to die out anytime soon:

  • People like to display their books and collections at home, even if they never plan to re-read them. They could be rare books or special editions, or some people just like to be able to look at what they have read over the years – and enjoy making recommendations and borrowing books to friends and family.
  • Books make great gifts – and an e-book could never compare to a hardback
  • Students prefer textbooks, as it’s easier to remember material than learning off a screen.

In fact, various studies have proven that print books are better than e-books – and surprisingly, millennials are leading the fight against digital books. When reading with children, both parents and kids preferred print books over e-books, and e-reading has been linked to sleep deprivation. Readers of e-books take ten minutes longer to fall asleep than readers of physical books.

Also, this quote by independent bookshop owner Robert Topping sums up the feelings of many:

“I don’t know about you, but I spend all day staring at a computer screen, I don’t want to go home in the evening and stare at another one.”

It’s true – so much of our work and leisure time is taken up by screen time. Once you get home from work and want to relax, most of the options (TV, games console, tablet) include watching a screen. Reading a physical book is one of the last remaining pastimes which doesn’t involve being glued to a screen.

If you have space to spare in your home, there is nothing better you could fill it with than books! If we still haven’t convinced you that physical books are here to stay, here are some beautiful, modern home library designs to change your mind:

Sleek and simple, this design features modern uplighters throughout the bookcases.

Why not convert your loft into a secret reading den?

Building a complete wall of shelving is great way to add interest to a room.

If you don’t have the space for a library room, we can help you utilise your space so you don’t have to throw away old titles.

Who do you think wins in the physical books vs e-books debate? You know where we stand – let us know your opinion on social media.