How Book Reading is an Expensive Hobby in Pakistan

Book Reading is an expensive hobby

Book reading is a great habit, and one can have a book in hand every time, which can eliminate boredom. However, half of the population cannot afford to buy books. It’s not because they are poor but the books are too expensive as compare to other countries.

The prices of books are high; most of them are not in the range of ordinary citizens. In Pakistan, publishing is the highest paying industry. There is no check and balance, and publishers often charge the prices of their own choice.

Pakistan is among the countries where the education level is not right. There are some regions where the literacy rate among women is below ten percent. Is Islam is a hindrance to the modernism? Baluchistan and KPK are among the most conservative areas of the state.

book reading
Book reading is a hobby for the elite class.

Many educational institutes exist only in documents that do not have real existence, sometimes called ghost schools. They are the burden on the economy. Teachers and students both of them do not go to school. The building of the schools used every purpose except for education.

Many analysts believe that Islam is a hindrance to the modernism of Pakistan. Unfortunately, they are right to some extent. According to Al-Quran, both sexes male and female are equal; both of them should seek for knowledge. Here, in Pakistan, women are not allowed to go to the colleges due to the co-education.

Libraries

Lack of libraries in every city of the country is a conundrum. There are only a few limited numbers of libraries that exist only in the major cities across the country. In spite of the fact, the PTI lead government to cut short the budget for education. The Government of Pakistan should take effective measures to establish libraries in each of the cities.

It is the 21st century, the era of technology. Therefore, digital libraries exist across the globe, which is continuously replacing traditional libraries. There is a well known digital library HEC Digital Library. However, it is mostly used for research purposes.

To conclude, book reading is the habit of a developed nation. To, improve the financial position of Pakistan, the government should make an effort to eliminate ignorance across the country. As well as there is a dire need to establish a board for check and balance for skyrocketing prices of books.

Are Traditional Libraries Obsolete in the Digital Age?

library: books rack

From Ancient Archives to Digital Databases: The Evolution of Libraries

Libraries have long stood as symbols of knowledge, culture, and learning. From the legendary Library of Alexandria to the sprawling modern-day national archives, the mission has always been the same: preserve human knowledge and make it accessible. For centuries, they were the epicenters of education, discovery, and societal development. But as we rapidly advance into an increasingly digital era, one can’t help but ask—are traditional libraries becoming obsolete?

Spoiler alert: not quite—but they’re transforming.

The Rise of the Internet and Digital Disruption

The game-changer in this conversation is, of course, technology. The advent of the internet in the 1990s and the subsequent explosion of digital platforms has radically reshaped the way we access, consume, and share information.

Where once you had to physically visit a library to access a limited collection of printed books, journals, or reference materials, today all it takes is a smartphone and a Wi-Fi connection. Information is no longer confined to shelves—it’s in the cloud, searchable in seconds, available 24/7.

Key milestones that disrupted traditional libraries:

  • The Launch of Amazon Kindle (2007): While your post mentions 2000, the first Kindle was officially released in 2007. It revolutionized reading by allowing users to carry thousands of books in one device. It made digital reading mainstream, portable, and incredibly convenient.
  • Google Books & Open Access Journals: Initiatives like Google Books and JSTOR’s open access have made it easier than ever to find academic texts and scholarly articles online.
  • AI & Machine Learning: Smart recommendations, voice search, and natural language processing now offer personalized learning experiences that a physical library simply can’t replicate.

The New-Age Library: E-Libraries and Digital Archives

Rather than disappearing, libraries are evolving. E-libraries, digital repositories, and cloud-based reading platforms have emerged as their modern counterparts. These digital solutions are not only preserving the essence of what libraries stood for but are also expanding their reach to millions more across the globe.

Benefits of e-libraries:

  1. Instant Access: Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, you can access the same collection of books online.
  2. Multimedia Learning: PDFs and eBooks are just the beginning—modern libraries offer video lectures, podcasts, interactive simulations, and more.
  3. Environmentally Friendly: Digital books reduce the need for paper, printing, and shipping—making it a more sustainable choice.
  4. Cost-Effective: Free access to massive collections through public digital libraries lowers the barrier to entry for learners worldwide.

Education in the Digital Age: A Tech-Driven Shift

Education systems across the world are rapidly adapting to these digital trends. Tech-savvy educators and forward-thinking governments are integrating digital libraries and online learning platforms into curriculums. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX have made Ivy League-level education accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformation.

The future of education is decentralized and democratized. The once heavily gatekept resources in elite libraries are now accessible to students and researchers worldwide—without the need to commute, pay membership fees, or wait in line.

But Wait—Are Physical Libraries Really Obsolete?

Here’s where the conversation takes a thoughtful turn. While digital resources are undeniably powerful, physical libraries still hold value—just in different ways.

1. Community and Collaboration Hubs

Modern libraries have evolved into community spaces. They’re no longer just about books—they’re about connection. From coding workshops and book clubs to makerspaces equipped with 3D printers, libraries have become innovation hubs.

2. Digital Divide and Accessibility

Let’s not forget that not everyone has seamless access to the internet. In many parts of the world, public libraries are the only place people can go for free Wi-Fi, computers, and access to digital tools.

3. Focus and Minimal Distraction

Studying at home may be convenient, but it also comes with distractions—phones, family, or Netflix. Libraries offer a structured, distraction-free environment that still matters, especially for students preparing for exams or professionals working on intensive research.

4. Preservation of Rare Knowledge

Not all books have been digitized. Many rare manuscripts, historical documents, and archival materials still reside only in physical formats. Libraries play a crucial role in preserving these cultural and intellectual treasures.

The Hybrid Future: Physical and Digital Coexistence

Instead of a “digital vs. physical” debate, the smarter approach is hybridization. Libraries of the future are integrating the best of both worlds—offering physical space for community and collaboration while leveraging digital platforms for access and scale.

What does this hybrid model look like?

  • Self-checkout kiosks and mobile apps for reserving books.
  • AR/VR-powered learning zones within library spaces.
  • AI-curated reading suggestions based on user behavior.
  • Remote access to library services, including e-lending and live expert help.

Role of Libraries in the Knowledge Economy

In today’s tech-forward world, knowledge is currency. Countries that invest in education and digital literacy are better positioned to thrive economically. Libraries—both physical and digital—play a critical role in cultivating a skilled and informed population.

Good leaders understand this. Countries with strong digital library infrastructures like Finland, South Korea, and Estonia consistently rank high in innovation and education indices.

SEO Insight: Why Write About Libraries in 2025?

From an SEO perspective, content about the future of libraries and digital learning is highly relevant. Search trends show increasing interest in:

  • “Are libraries still relevant?”
  • “Best digital libraries for students”
  • “Free resources for remote learning”
  • “Hybrid education models”
  • “E-learning vs. traditional learning”

By targeting these keywords and building informative, thought-leadership-style content around them, tech bloggers and educational websites can significantly boost their organic traffic.

Conclusion: Libraries Are Not Dead—They’re Reinventing Themselves

To sum it all up, the narrative that libraries are “obsolete” is a bit short-sighted. Yes, their role has changed dramatically in the digital era. But they’re not disappearing—they’re adapting. And in many cases, they’re thriving more than ever by becoming dynamic learning hubs that merge tradition with technology.

Whether it’s a dusty bookshelf in a small-town library or a glowing screen filled with digital texts—access to knowledge remains as vital as ever.

As tech continues to evolve, so will the concept of libraries. And that’s not something to mourn—it’s something to celebrate.