Okay, I realize that we’re probably not at the point of having to panic about books being obsolete. And I realize that I’m most likely preaching to the choir here, so to speak, because most of the people who read this blog probably love books at least as much as I do. But, because of news about big upgrades in technology (the iPhone 4, 3D televisions), I’ve been thinking lately about how important books are, and why we need to make sure they continue to be sold in their current form rather than in electronic devices. So, here are some reasons why books are important.

1. Just about everyone can afford books.

Not everyone can afford a television, an iPod or an Amazon Kindle but just about everyone can afford a book. Even those who can’t actually afford a $30 hard cover book can either pay the price of a paperback or can afford the cost of a library membership, so she can read for free.

Also important; even though our schools can’t always afford the cost of new technology, they can still provide children with opportunities to read for free via school and classroom libraries. How expensive would it be if all books were suddenly sold electronically? Surely these electronic readers would not just be loaned out for free the way books are from a library, so many people would go without reading because they can’t afford the new reading gadgets.

2. Books have been produced in roughly the same form for centuries.

There’s no upgrading required with books. Remember records? Then cassette tapes? Then cds? Now iTunes? I don’t know what’s next, but I can guarantee it’ll cost money, you’ll have to buy new technology to listen to music and you’ll probably wind up once again repurchasing all your favourite music.

All technology we use eventually changes (they call it “progress,” I call it “new ways to make more money.”) Televisions have gone from black and white to colour to flat screen to high-def and, soon, to 3D. Videos changed to DVD and now to Blu-Ray (sorry to those of you who purchased HD DVDs). Each of those changes requires consumers to go out and upgrade their hardware.

Books don’t have to be repurchased or upgraded, unless a new version of your favourite is rereleased with a new forward or an interview with the author. Even then, you don’t have to buy your entire collection all over again. You just buy a new copy of that book. What happens when Amazon comes out with new technology? Will people have to repurchase all the electronic books they had on the original Kindle?

3. Books are easy to donate.

I’m reasonably certain that you can’t donate the books you read on your Kindle. And there are many fantastic groups out there, such as Amanda Grondahl’s DTES reading group Intrepid Pens, who are in desperate need of donated books. These are groups that help people who can’t afford books on their own–how would these people ever afford a Kindle?

To donate books or money to Amanda’s group, visit Intrepid Pens. Take some time to look around the website and see what the group has been up to.

4. Books don’t require fancy warranties or insurance coverage.

Accidentally drop your book in water? At least it won’t cost you a few hundred dollars to replace it.

5. Books don’t need batteries, don’t need to be recharged and don’t require electricity to run.

As long as there is enough light to read by, you can read your book.

6. Because just about everyone can afford either a book or a library membership.

I know I said it before, but it bears repeating. Too much in our society requires consumers spend a lot of money. Books don’t. That’s why they’re necessary.

7. Because it’s vital that people know how to read (it had to be said).