Print in Peril: Jamshedpur Book Fair shows declining interest in books

Experts urge parents, schools and society to reconnect young people with books as digital distraction rises

Digital media, rising screen time and shifting preferences lead to lower book sales, reduced footfall and struggling publishers

Publishers struggle as physical books lose ground to smartphones, OTT content, audiobooks and e-books

Stall owners report declining readership, inconsistent footfall and reduced demand for novels, fiction and children’s books

Jamshedpur, Nov 23: The 39th Jamshedpur Book Fair, which began on November 14 and concluded on November 23, highlighted a growing concern among publishers and readers — traditional reading habits are rapidly declining. Stall operators at the fair said that digital media has diverted people’s attention, resulting in shrinking book sales and reduced interest in physical books.

There was a time when travellers would pick up a novel from station bookstalls before boarding a train. Today, this practice has almost disappeared. Bookshop owners say that the number of readers has dropped sharply over the past few years due to rising dependence on smartphones, social media, web series, audiobooks, and e-books. Many bookshops that once thrived at major intersections are now struggling to survive.
Publishers at the book fair reported that selling even 200 copies of a title in a year has become a challenge. The cost of printing, storing, and distributing books continues to rise, while the number of buyers continues to fall. Despite this, many book lovers insist that the joy of holding a book, turning its pages, and experiencing the smell of paper cannot be matched by digital formats.

Attendance and sales at the Jamshedpur Book Fair also reflected this trend. Visitor numbers and earnings have been inconsistent over the years. In 2022, around 55,000 people visited the fair, generating sales worth Rs 82 lakh. In 2023, footfall increased to 61,000, and sales rose to Rs 96 lakh. However, 2024 saw visitor numbers drop to 38,600, with sales falling sharply to Rs 57 lakh.

Publishers said that earlier, earning Rs 20–25 lakh over 8–10 days was common at the book fair. This year, many stalls struggled to cross Rs 5–7 lakh, signalling a steep decline in physical book demand.
According to sellers, religious literature, motivational books, and competitive exam guides continue to be the best-selling categories. On the other hand, novels, short story collections, fiction titles, comic books, and children’s storybooks have witnessed up to a 60% decline in sales.

An educationist said that digital platforms have made information easily accessible but have negatively affected reading habits. “Screen-based learning increases distraction, while books promote concentration and deeper thinking. Schools and parents must encourage children to read more,” she said.

A literature enthusiast stressed that books will never become obsolete. “We must increase our efforts to connect the new generation with reading. The charm of books is irreplaceable,” she added.

The 39th Jamshedpur Book Fair ended with a reminder that preserving reading culture now requires collective and conscious effort.