“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” — Albert Einstein
There was once a time when characters used to jump off the pages of my books. I could read for hours, each chapter acting as an emotional anchor to a story that I loved.
As you know by now, some of my early memories consisted of reading. I learned to read my first book by the age of 4. And by the time I reached elementary school, book swapping with my friends became a common practice.
The digital age, however, has changed that.
E-book reading is growing steadily among U.S. adults, according to Pew Research. About 31% now report reading an e-book in the past year, up from 17% in 2011.
I remember the exact moment I decided to purchase an e-book instead of going to the bookstore. At the time, it was convenient. A quick way to have the novel of my choice right at my fingertips.
But it was evident that I still missed the ink-stained pages that evoked curiosity and made reading fun.
When I saw the renderings of the new Oakleaf Library a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but think about the impact that tangible books had on me. The new 12,000 square-foot library is set to be a community hub encompassing books and all things connection.
I was instantly reminded of exactly why those experiences cannot be replaced. Even in a digital world.
Don't get me wrong. There's absolutely nothing wrong with relaxing with a Kindle on your couch. But there's also nothing like searching countless bookshelves for new, sometimes worn favorites, finding a table or seat on the floor and reading them.
Chamblin Bookmine is one of my favorite places to go when I need to nurture my book problem. The last time I was there, I spent a bit of my time bonding with a stranger over an author that both of us enjoyed. Although I didn't know her, it felt like I did.
That's what visiting your local library or bookstore entails. Connection and emotion. Something I don't think an e-book can provide.
Each book that sits on my makeshift home library holds emotional significance — whether it's a gift from a loved one or a particular story or author that I resonated with.
It's true that tangible experiences, like reading a book, hold memories that are incomparable. Nowadays it's easy to bypass that. And I think that's what's missing.
