TELL US: Do You Still Frequent Bookstores, Libraries?

Is the age of the bookstore over? What about the libraries?

That’s a question some are asking after Borders shut its doors nationwide, including the Westfield Annapolis location, and Barnes & Noble recently announced poor holiday sales, including declines in sales of its e-reader, the Nook tablet, The New York Times reported.

A failed Barnes & Noble could create nearly a dozen vacancies in Maryland, including a store in Annapolis, although company representatives told the Baltimore Business Journal in November it planned to maintain a “strong Baltimore presence,” the publication reported.

As bookstores struggle, e-readers have gained popularity.

Anne Arundel County libraries started offering e-readers in each of its branches in November 2011. By the end of 2012, libraries said they couldn't keep up with the demand for e-readers and e-books.

In January 2012, CNN reported that the number of adults who owned tablets increased from 10 percent in mid-December to 19 percent in early January.

Anne Arundel County libraries face many challenges and will be holding town hall meetings in February and March to enlist the support of residents in asking for additional funding to adequately serve communities.

Tell us in the comments: Do you still like to shop at bookstores or borrow items from the local library? Or have you completely made the switch to e-readers?

See related links:

• Renewing Our Libraries – Renaissance Now!
• Electronic Books and Devices Available at County Libraries