The Book that shall not die

A subject always up for debate in the library field is books vs. kindles vs. IPADs. Some of the questions surrounding this topic are "What would serve the patron's needs best?", "What can the library afford?", etc. I've heard arguments both for and against getting rid of books in favor of electronic readers and I see it playing out everyday. I deliberately sat behind two people on the metro solely because one of them was reading a book and the other was reading on a Kindle. I couldn't help but smirk at the Kindle owner, but I often wonder how much good they do in a public library.

I personally don't want to own a Kindle right now, or any other electronic reader for that matter, because I get enough headaches and eye strain from being on my computer doing homework, actual work, and researching jobs. When I want to take a break why on Earth would I pick up my Kindle only to be staring at another electronic screen? Would I leave my Kindle in my bed after I fell asleep reading it or would I stay awake at night wondering if it'll break on its way to the floor when it inevitably is ejected by my restless sleep. Both author I admire and respect, Stephen King and Sarah Dessen, have sounded off in favor of keeping physical books around. Sarah comments on the relationship a person has with a book, how it gives a more intimate feeling knowing that you're holding it, smelling the binding paste, underlining lines, turning down the pages, revisiting it after a good year. Stephen King elaborates on similar points, saying that having a physical books relates to the art of telling a good story.

Not only do I run into people on the metro that are using electronic readers, but at my Bible Study there is consistently one person who always accesses his Bible on his Iphone. I'm a little freaked out by it and can't quite come to terms with getting rid of my bookshelf and instead purchasing a rack for my Kindle.