Re: [Mpls] Curl up to the computer with your child at bedtime?

[Becker]

Title: Curl up to the computer with your child at bedtime?

If it were true, as people contend, that the Internet is going to reduce the use of books, you would see the book publishing business slumping like you are seeing the recording industry.  Currently the majority of Americans have access to the Internet at either their home or business or both.  But it is opposite.  The publishing industry sold more books last year rather than less.    Why is this?  I think as people become more interested in reading (whether in print or on a screen), they read more. And as they become more educated (whether the info came from print or on a screen), they want to learn more.  And they turn to book stores, to libraries, to used book stores.  This is why you see Barnes and Noble, for example, expanding, rather than contracting and also being seen as a very desirable commercial tenant.  Also the content is different.  I look up phone numbers on the Internet (sorry no more phone books) but I would never consider reading a novel off the Internet.  I will admit to probably being more techie than many.  I have a Palm and have books on my Palm and even reading them from my Palm (Jerome K Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat" highly recommended, very funny, and free at www.Memoware.com ) But even my Palm is not a substitute for a real live book.    Carol Becker Longfellow   ----- Original Message ----- From: Betty Tisel There will always be a need and place for libraries as long as there are children.