Comment on "How to save real bookstores" (China Daily, Jan 19)

I agree that independent and small bookstores should be preserved and protected in China. As an American college student, I can attest to the fact that the Unites States is facing similar struggles to save the book industry. The American bookstore chain, Borders, recently declared bankruptcy and most of its stores have been forced to close down. This is happening not only to big chains, but to small, independent bookstores as well.

I believe that going to a physical bookstore can increase one's love for reading. In a real bookstore, you can physically see, touch and even smell the books. It gives you the freedom to browse through selections and to even read a portion of a book before deciding to buy it. You would not be able to do any of these things at online bookstores.

One way that China can increase the popularity of bookstores is to have well-known authors endorse them. For example, in the United States, some well-known authors go on tours to promote their books and meet their readers at bookstores. This helps independent bookstores to make a profit, get recognition and stay in business.

Brianna Hendrick, via e-mail

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(China Daily 02/10/2012 page9)