Digital books and periodicals might have taken place of their physical versions in our personal reading rooms but for serious book lovers, a library remains still the place to visit and enjoy reading books.
Hundreds of people, including youngsters, throng the SPS Library in the heart of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/search/srinagar-articles" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Srinagar</a> city's Lal Chowk every week to immerse in their favourite books.
&ldquo;I used to read several books while I was doing post-graduation. People can read online but we need an atmosphere which is free from hustle and bustle and that is available only in a library,&rdquo; Haseebullah, one of the regulars at the Srinagar library told PTI.
He said the library was also a cheap avenue to study for those who do not have high-end phones and internet connection.
&ldquo;This library is for them. Even in a digital era, we cannot find everything in Wikipedia. We need hard copies as well,&rdquo; he added.
For Inayat Rashid, reading from digital sources has its own disadvantages.
&ldquo;Here we can concentrate on reading books. If we use a mobile for reading, it distracts our mind. Also, we are emotionally attached with books...those who have a habit of book reading don't rely on internet whether the facility is available or not,&rdquo; Rashid said.
Similarly, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/search/jammu-and-kashmir-articles" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Jawad Ahmad</a> prefers reading paper books as digital reading does not give him the same feeling.
&ldquo;With the inception of new technology, we started ignoring book reading. But we should focus on book reading as it gives us a positive edge. It gives us a different feeling when we have a book in hand which doesn't come in virtual technology like a tab,&rdquo; he said.
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Mukhtar Ali talks about ill effects of digital reading on the eyes of the reader.
&ldquo;Even for relaxation of eyes, books are good compared to reading on gadgets. It also helps kids improve their vocabulary,&rdquo; he said.
For Muhtaq Ahmad Mir, physical books are for posterity.
&ldquo;With the passage of time, everything is online. But physical books have their own merits; we can keep them as records. No doubt everything is available on a smartphone, but books have their store value,&rdquo; Mir said.
Shazia Makhdoomi, the librarian at SPS Library, said a number of youngsters come to read books here.
&ldquo;In Kashmir, people have the habit of reading books. You can see the children; they come from far-flung areas to study here. Sometimes the students can't find seats,&rdquo; she said.
Makhdoomi feels that book reading is comparatively better than reading on gadgets.
&ldquo;Books give organised information, they don't need charger, internet facility, etc,&rdquo; she added.
The librarian said there was an increasing trend among students who read more for competitive examinations.
&ldquo;We have three sections here -- boys, girls and children sections. There is a seating capacity of around 200 each in boys and girls sections, while there are 20 seats for children,&rdquo; she added.
With more than 3,500 registered patrons and the numbers increasing day by day, the SPS Library might need some expansion.
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Even in a digital era, we cannot find everything in Wikipedia. We need hard copies as well

A library survives in digital age

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A library survives in digital age

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