Opinion by KorinaLiekus

Walt Disney once said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” 

When I think of reading, I think of a book in my hands, wearing comfy clothes and snuggling up in a cozy corner. To me, there is nothing better than a day just like that. 

However, with technology, people can read on a phone or tablet. To me, this just isn’t the same as having a physical book in your hands. With an actual book, if somebody notices that you’re reading, they may ask, “What are you reading?” This is a great conversation starter, and in some cases, it encourages them to read the same book or maybe go out to find a different book that they would like to read. 

Other conversations about books revolve around recommendations. Some of my favorite books have come from a recommendation, like “The Outsiders” or “Wonder.” You can also talk about the characters and your opinion of certain characters. A good debate about a plot hole or the best character always makes my day. 

The experience you get when it comes to choosing a printed book is just amazing. Walking into a library or a bookstore makes me think of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” The feeling of being surrounded by books is spectacular and it fills the senses. Actually holding a book and feeling it, the smell of a new book or the musty smell of one that has been treasured for ages on a shelf somewhere just waiting to be re-discovered, the sight of all the books and the sound of silence makes everything better. 

Wanting a real physical book gives you endless choices and genres.   

I have never had anyone ask what I’m reading if I was reading on a technology device. I think this is because we are so used to not paying attention to what is on another person’s screen, and it takes away from wholesome connections about books.  

To me, reading a physical book is better because you can see the progress you have made in the book. When reading on a device you can’t really see how far along in the book you are. 

Over winter break, Marian’s library held a Read-A-Thon. You counted how many pages you read over break and when we got back, there were three winners announced. Although I was not able to particpate, I did start a really good book over break.

Marian also has Readers Advisory group. This is similar to a book club, where they all read one book and talk about that book and other books they’ve read during their meetings.

Physical books allow for community building. They also allow for conversation starters and being able to see the progress as you read which is something that virtual books do not easily offer.