The ongoing International Literary Festival at Dibrugarh University (DU Litfest 2025) has sparked engaging discussions about the future of books in the digital age. As online book sales dominate the market, traditional bookstores face an uncertain future, raising concerns among independent booksellers, publishers, and authors.
A key session at the festival, titled “Flip Side of Amazon: Small Book Shops, Big Vision”, brought together industry experts to discuss the challenges of independent booksellers in an era of rapid digital transformation. With perspectives from booksellers across the Northeast, the session highlighted passion-driven entrepreneurship, reader behavior, and the impact of digital platforms on local bookshops.
The Struggle of Independent Booksellers in the Digital Era
The rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Kindle has revolutionized the book industry, offering convenience, discounts, and easy accessibility. However, this shift has led to the decline of physical bookstores, forcing many small businesses to either shut down or adapt to the changing landscape.
During the session, Vanlalruata Ralte, a bookstore owner from Aizawl, shared his journey of running an independent book café despite financial challenges. He emphasized that local bookstores are not just businesses but cultural spaces that nurture a love for literature. “The fire to keep my bookstore running continues to burn in my heart,” Ralte said, highlighting the emotional connection readers have with physical books.
However, Ralte also pointed out an emerging trend—many visitors enter bookstores to take selfies with books but leave without purchasing anything. This phenomenon underscores the growing influence of social media aesthetics over actual book buying habits.
Unusual Bookstore Encounters: The Case of “Book Sniffing”
In a lighter moment, Ralte recounted an unusual incident where a young visitor spent hours in his store, sniffing books instead of reading them. This anecdote drew laughter from the audience and led to an interesting remark from Shillong-based poet Robin Ngangom. “Book sniffing can be a new alternative to Dendrite,” joked Ngangom, referring to the rampant substance abuse problem in the Northeast.
His comment, though humorous, also served as a poignant reminder of the societal challenges faced by youth in the region.
Challenges for Booksellers in Conflict Zones
Beyond digital disruptions, booksellers in Manipur, Assam, and other Northeast states face additional challenges due to political unrest, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Martin Thokchom, an Imphal-based bookseller, shared his struggles with declining sales and social unrest affecting customer footfall. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to the belief that books have the power to unite people, transcending conflict and division. “Books can bring people together—beyond politics, beyond differences. We must not let conflicts destroy our literary culture,” Thokchom urged.
The Emotional Experience of Buying Physical Books
While digital platforms offer convenience, many bibliophiles argue that buying books from a physical store is an irreplaceable experience.
Pradipta Sankar Hazarika, Managing Director of Baani Mandir Publishing House, Dibrugarh, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Buying books from a store is an emotional experience; it allows us to feel the freshness of books.”
This statement reflects a common sentiment among book lovers who cherish the tactile experience of browsing, touching, and smelling books in a bookstore—something digital platforms cannot replicate.
The Future of Books and Bookstores in the Digital Age
While online book sales and e-books are reshaping the publishing industry, the discussions at DU Litfest 2025 suggest that physical bookstores still hold significant cultural and emotional value.
To survive in the digital era, booksellers and publishers must adopt innovative strategies, such as:
- Hybrid models: Combining online and offline book sales
- Book cafés & reading spaces: Creating community-driven bookstores
- Social media marketing: Engaging readers through digital platforms
- Exclusive in-store experiences: Hosting author meet-ups, book signings, and literary events
The Dibrugarh University Literary Festival 2025 has opened crucial discussions on the changing landscape of the book industry. While online sales continue to grow, independent booksellers, publishers, and literature enthusiasts remain committed to preserving the tradition of physical bookstores.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear—whether digital or print, books will always be an essential part of human culture, learning, and imagination.
