'Books may Survive, but will Bookshops?' : Three booksellers on their past, present and future

Abstract

The paper book’s chief accomplice? Who could it be but the bookseller. TXT consulted three independents. What will the future of bookselling look like? We spoke to the new director of Athenaeum Booksellers, Caroline Reeders. We talked to comic bookstore owner Menno Barkema, of Leidse Stripshop Mevrouw Kern. Lastly, we spoke with entrepreneur Tim van den Hoed of the crowdfunded De Utrechtse Boekenbar. They may be fortes and cities apart, but these booksellers show striking commonalities. All waved digital goodbye and returned to paper. They have faith in the paper book, but do they have equal faith in the bookshop?