YANGON: People in Myanmar continue to embrace the joy of reading physical books, keeping bookshops alive despite the rise of digital media.
The passion for printed books not only ensures the survival of bookshops but also allows them to flourish in the modern era, Thet Soe Paing, 35-year-old owner of the Soe Paing Bookstore, said.
Despite the rapid content digitalisation, bookstores across the country are persevering, thanks to a persistent community of readers who cherish the experience of holding a book in their hands, he said.
Soe Paing Bookstore, a family-owned business in Yangon, has been operating for 28 years and continues to thrive by adapting to the changing times.
"To adapt to modern times, booksellers have embraced digital platforms, using social media to reach a wider audience.
"Customers often find books through our posts and then visit the shop to make a purchase," Thet Soe Paing said.
Although book sales slowed down for a while, bookstores continue to survive because many people still prefer reading physical books, he added.
Arthur Wadee Khin Myat Phone, 22, a frequent bookstore visitor, shared her preference for physical books.
"I prefer reading the books in person to the e-books online. I usually go to the bookshops, maybe twice a month."
"Most of the books are accessible online...but I still prefer reading books by holding them in my hands because it's a lot different," she said.
Pyae Phyo Aung, 28, expressed similar sentiments while shopping at a bookshop. "Although I have already read them online, I still want to experience reading them in print. So I visit bookstores very often."
"I love reading and collecting books because they expand my knowledge. Physical books offer a connection that e-books just can't match.
"The feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and the sense of being part of the writer's world make the experience more meaningful," he said.
Myint Tun, chairman of the Myanmar Publishers and Booksellers Association, acknowledged some challenges the industry is facing.
"Due to various circumstances, including high book prices and regional instability, the number of book buyers has declined."
The book publishing rate has decreased by 30 per cent to 50 per cent compared to the pre-Covid period, he said, adding that currently about 200 book genres are published monthly.
"Organising more book fairs, reading sessions, and book markets can foster a love for reading and support education.
"Our association is also focused on developing school libraries and private libraries in collaboration with relevant organisations," he said.
As Myanmar embraces both physical and digital reading formats, the enduring charm of printed books continues to be a cherished part of the country's reading culture, he added. - Xinhua
