Although audio and digital books have the potential to be the future of society’s way of sharing knowledge, reading classic paper books will forever be the most beneficial and loved way of reading, despite it perhaps going out of style in society’s electronics-filled future.  

There is something timeless about the way paper books connect people. Imagine childhood bedtime stories, where parents and kids bond over the same page, turning pages together. Paper books are also beautiful. Covers and illustrations are works of art that readers can display on shelves in their home; a collection of books can become a reflection of your identity. Of course, paper books aren’t just for aesthetics—they are practical. Paper books are easy to take with you when you travel and don’t need to be charged.

Multiple studies from Publishing Press, a self-publishing service, have found that people retain information better when they read paper books. The same studies show that 85% of educators say old-fashioned note-taking by hand is the best way to learn. At night, reading paper books, instead of straining to read a glowing screen, is optimal. In addition, paper books are much better than other forms of reading for the environment. They are produced using sustainable resources and are recyclable, usually ending up in thrift stores rather than the dumpster. Discarded e-readers produce toxic waste and take more carbon to produce. 

While we may slowly see digital and audiobooks become more prominent in our increasingly technological society, we shouldn’t lose sight of the value of paper books. They remind us to slow down, focus, and experience a story that connects us to each other and the world.