The Accidental Bookstore Visit: Are People Still Reading Physical Books? Read to Find Out.

Today unfolded quite differently from what I had planned. My initial intention to head to work was derailed, so I decided to stay home and tackle a few tasks instead. Later, I ventured out to visit a parish I had found through a quick Google search—St. Michael's. I had hoped to spend some time there praying and meditating, as I am still searching for a parish that feels like home while I'm here, JC, for work. 

However, to my surprise, the church doors were locked when I arrived. This was an unexpected discovery for me, as I’m so accustomed to parishes in the countryside that their doors always remain open all day, welcoming anyone seeking private prayers or quiet reflection. I was quite disappointed but not deterred, I decided to take a walk around the block in the neighborhood and prayed as I walked. The weather was bitterly cold—perhaps one of the coldest days I can remember in recent times. I braved the chill and completed my walk anyways.  

During my stroll, I stumbled upon a cozy bookstore in the corner. Intrigued and needing to warm up, I stepped inside. While I have a deep love for books, I must confess, I didn’t enter this time with the intention of browsing; I simply wanted a respite from the freezing temperatures before heading back home to South Street.  

Inside, I struck up a conversation with the bookstore clerk, as I often do. The clerk was friendly and engaging, and I began by asking how business was going and whether people still read physical books in this digital age. To my delight, the answer was an emphatic yes. He further explained that the bookstore enjoys a steady stream of readers and loyal customers. This was heartening to hear, especially given the prevalence of digital distractions in this age.  

The conversation evolved into a discussion about commuting and city life. The clerk shared that he has another job in Brooklyn, only about three miles away, but his commute often takes an hour. We also talked about books, which led me to admit that I now read mostly digital formats, like PDFs, as I find it increasingly difficult to start and finish books like I used to. I also shared that I write more these days than I read.  

The clerk attributed their success to the bookstore’s location in an upper-middle-class neighborhood. He pointed out that many residents are avid readers and still prioritize purchasing books. This made sense. A quick look at the neighborhood suggested affluence, with homes likely commanding mortgage payments of perhaps $10,000 per month. As the saying goes, location is everything in real estate. I saw a school, church, park, restaurants all around me. That is why I'm confident it must be expensive living there. 

Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a customer pushing a stroller. I commented on the cold weather and joked that the baby must be freezing, but the mother, who was Canadian, laughed and assured me they were used to such frigid conditions. I mentioned a trip I took to Canada almost two years ago in April, when it was still uncomfortably cold. She confirmed that cold weather often lingers well into spring over there.  

Before leaving, I promised to return to the bookstore in the future. I’m going to be in the area for work for a while and plan to visit St. Michael’s Parish for Mass when I can. Afterward, I’ll stop by the bookstore again. It’s a simple plan, but one that fills me with anticipation.  

How was your day? Did you do anything exciting or meaningful, or did the cold weather keep you indoors?  

Yours Pal,  

Ronnie Law