As every year, Bilbao's book fair was bustling, combining book signings, recommendations, and literary discoveries. This event highlighted that reading in paper format remains highly relevant, even as reading habits have evolved.
“"People, contrary to popular belief, read more now, but they read different things."
According to a bookstore owner, such events are essential for the public to discover bookstores. With over a decade at the helm of their business and a life linked to the world of books, they argue that the reader's habit has not diminished. Instead, the rise of screens has transformed how texts are consumed, making them shorter and more accessible, but it has also created new opportunities for physical books.
Many readers discover works digitally and then wish to own them in print, demonstrating how both forms of reading can complement each other. This balance is also evident among young attendees. Two young women at the fair agreed on their preference for paper, while acknowledging the advantages of digital format. One of them stated that she tries to read for at least a while before sleeping each day, considering it a way to disconnect from constant screen use.
The other young woman emphasized the sensory value of physical books, mentioning the pleasure of touching a book and having it at home, although she admitted that the convenience and light weight make digital formats appealing. Both also highlighted the fair's interest in giving visibility to social realities, such as the situation in Palestine, which was present in some of the exhibited titles.
The day once again showed that Book Day remains a key event on the city's cultural agenda, a meeting point for booksellers, readers, and the curious, where tradition and change coexist. In Bilbao, at least, the pages keep turning.
