Hi readers,

It’s Emily and William again this week. You may remember that last week we talked about how we don’t read much any more, and that our ‘devices’ have taken over.

Well, this week we want to write about how life might change if everyone stopped reading books. First, we worry that libraries and book shops will close, which made us feel quite sad.

What could happen is that libraries might change the way they operate. They may keep fewer books but increase the number of computers or kindles instead, which people would come in to use.

We think that eventually everyone will mainly end up reading books and magazines on the internet, and the world will become even more paperless. Which might be good for the planet. Lots of people are already shopping over the internet, for things like food or clothes, because it is more convenient. If we do want books, maybe we will just buy them on Amazon or if we do go into town, in charity shops.

A worry of this convenient way of shopping might mean people stay in the house more and become even more unfit! One positive thing about going out is that you get to see people. All this shopping from home could be especially bad for older people, as a trip to the library or shops may be their only social activity each day. They might end up becoming very isolated.

We would like people to read more paper books and libraries to stay open so our next generation can enjoy and learn the old fashioned way. We are both going to think about starting to read books again. We will let you know how it goes.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset.