Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?

Observer

2 days ago

The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better.
With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike.
One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books.
'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students.
'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added.
Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago.
'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.'
Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books.
'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained.
Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said.
While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading.
Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books.
Kaushalendra Singh
@patkaushal
The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better.
With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike.
One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books.
'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students.
'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added.
Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago.
'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.'
Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books.
'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained.
Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said.
While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading.
Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books.