Why the way we consume information is changing.
It’s a question that resurfaces every few years — whispered in literary circles, posted in think pieces, and sighed over by lifelong readers: Are bookstores dying?
Walk down any main street, and you might see a familiar story — the corner bookshop turned café, a “For Lease” sign in the window where shelves once stood, or a community rally to “save our local store.” The truth is, physical bookstores aren’t dying a simple death at all. Their story is far more complex — and, surprisingly, hopeful.
The Shift, Not the End
In the late 1990s, big-box chains seemed like the final chapter for independent bookstores. Then came eBooks and online retail giants, reshaping how people discovered and purchased books. For a while, it looked like convenience had won.
But something unexpected happened: readers started to miss the experience of the bookstore. The scent of paper, the quiet hum of browsing, the joy of finding something you didn’t know you were looking for — these moments couldn’t be digitized.
The Indie Comeback
Across Canada and beyond, small bookstores are quietly reemerging. They’re smaller, more personal, often run by people who know their customers’ reading tastes by heart. Many partner with local artisans, host book clubs, or create community hubs where books are just part of the story.
Even large chains have begun to recognize the value of that connection. Bookstores that adapt — blending online convenience with local warmth — are finding ways to thrive.
Used Books and Sustainable Stories
The rise of online used bookstores (like ours at Jennifer & Ryan Books) also proves something: readers still love print. They’re just shopping differently. Buying used keeps stories in circulation, reduces waste, and supports a circular reading economy that benefits both readers and the planet.
Not a Death — A Transformation
So no, bookstores aren’t dying a simple death. They’re evolving — quietly rewriting their own story one chapter at a time.
Maybe the future bookstore doesn’t look exactly like the past one. But as long as there are readers who love the feel of a real book in their hands, there will always be a place — somewhere — that keeps the light on for them.