Abuja, Aug. 19, 2025
Some bookshop operators in Abuja say they are adopting new strategies to cope with the growing influence of e-books and digital libraries on their businesses.
They told journalists on Tuesday that the rise of digital platforms had changed the way people access books, with many readers preferring instant downloads on mobile devices to visiting physical stores.
Aisha Bagu, owner of a virtual bookstore, said the convenience of browsing online catalogues and downloading titles within seconds had become very appealing to readers.
According to her, the trend has reduced foot traffic in traditional bookstores and affected print book sales.
“To remain relevant, we now host poetry nights, reading clubs, and writing workshops. People come for the experience, not just to buy books. We also created a WhatsApp platform for browsing inventory and downloading sample chapters,” she said.
Chinedu Paul, who manages an e-book marketplace, said physical books were not disappearing but evolving alongside digital innovations.
“The future is hybrid. Readers want both print and digital formats, and bookstores must adapt. While some still enjoy turning real pages, others prefer the flexibility of e-libraries,” he said.
Paul explained that digital libraries were not rivals but complements to physical bookstores, adding that he envisaged a hybrid system where online platforms could drive readers to physical shops for special editions or signed copies.
He noted that the survival of bookshops would depend on their ability to blend technology with traditional services.
“In the next phase, the most resilient bookstores will be those that combine digital convenience with the community warmth of physical shops,” he said.