The 4th largest bookstore in the US has folded. People still read vast numbers of physical books - they just buy them online now. Bookstores need book clubs, author talks, and other in-person activities. Do you still shop at bookstores? https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/28/technology/bookstores-final-shakeout.html

Thanks for posting that link. I live in Wisconsin and it saddens me to think that the only bookstore that will survive here is Barnes & Noble. I think that the closure of stores in smaller towns illustrates the increasing isolation of people due to technology. People will have to depend on public libraries for the type of community events you describe, but their situation is precarious due to government funding cuts.

Although I still spend time in bookstores - sometimes hours perusing what's out there, I don't spend as much time or money in them as I used to. It's easier to read my books on a Kindle or buy the books online so I don't have to lug them home. It is really sad that the bookstores are going the way of department stores and that most people are buying online.

Working for the airlines, I do notice that passengers still have real books to read during flight and that the airport bookstores seem to be as busy as always.

Books are still popular; I read paper books and well as digital; however, I prefer paper. Young people do like paper books but so many order on amazon. I have audible books as well and the question popped up about merging my Audible account with my Amazon account. Amazon is aptly named. It is Huge, like the Amazon River.

I attended a book and author event at one of our local libraries. Ruta Sepetys is the author of Ashes in the Snow and several others. They are historical novels and geared to young adult and adult readers. She is a wonderful storyteller. There were many young people in attendance at the talk and that says a lot considering that the topic of this book has to do with The Communist takeover of Lithuania.