It’s easy to think that everything today should be digitized because it’s often more convenient. Movies can be watched on demand instead of driving to the cinema. Clothes can be bought online instead of going to the department store. And now, books also come in the form of e-books, where e-readers or even your phone allow you to choose from a wide selection of stories without needing a bookshelf’s worth of space to store them.

There are many benefits to having digital counterparts to media, such as space-saving, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Digital books have many advantages, particularly in making reading more accessible to avid readers worldwide. However, you still often hear book enthusiasts advocating for physical books and maintaining personal libraries of their favorite titles.

Despite the accessibility of digital books, there are compelling reasons why today’s readers might still want to own physical books:

1. A physical book can be felt and held

This is the most obvious difference, yet it’s often overlooked. Holding a collection of papers bound together, whether hardcover or paperback, provides a unique tactile sensation. Feeling the texture of the paper and cover, whether new or secondhand, and even the distinctive smell associated with books enriches the reading experience. The sound of flipping pages also adds to the sensory pleasure, which an e-book cannot fully replicate.

2. A physical book can be used without electricity

While electricity is generally reliable, there are times when it’s unavailable or impractical to use electronic devices like e-readers or phones due to battery issues. A physical book requires no power source other than sufficient light to read, making it dependable even during power outages.

3. A physical book can be personalized

An appealing aspect of physical books is the ability to annotate and personalize them easily. Many readers enjoy marking passages, making notes, or highlighting sections, adding their unique perspective to the reading experience. Although e-readers and PDF apps offer annotation features, the simplicity of using a pen or highlighter directly on the page remains unmatched.

4. A physical book can be easily shared

Beyond personalization, physical books can be shared effortlessly. Whether lending them to friends or family, sharing a physical book involves a simple handover without concerns about compatibility or access. Libraries continue to thrive because physical books are still easier and quicker to share compared to digital files.

5. A physical book can be remembered

Owning a physical book adds a personal dimension that goes beyond mere possession. The wear and tear a book accumulates over time, including annotations and marks, tell a story of their own. When you inherit a pre-owned book, you also inherit the memories and experiences of its previous owners, making it a unique and cherished item.

Next time you shop for books, consider investing in a physical copy of your favorite title. Owning a physical book can be a tangible reminder of your love for literature and a cherished part of your personal library.