Book Prices Have Nothing to Do with Lack of Demand
Mahmoud Hashemi, manager of Soureh Mehr Bookstore, in an interview with an IRNA book agency reporter (IBNA), stated about the book market situation: A careful look at book sales statistics reveals a bitter truth; the number of book unit sales has sharply decreased, which undoubtedly has many reasons.
Referring to some factors affecting the decline in book sales, he continued: The high cost of paper, zinc plates, printing, binding, and even transportation costs, each have a significant share in the current situation of the book market. Before a book reaches the reader, it goes through a costly and difficult path, from the author and translator to the publisher, lithographer, printer, distributor, and finally the bookseller, all struggling along this difficult path. As a result, a book that should be accessible becomes a luxury item; therefore, we hear many people say when confronted with book prices: ‘Thanks, I’ll get it later.’
According to this bookseller, this sentence might only mean a delay in purchase for a customer, but for a bookseller, it is an alarm bell that rings louder every day. When a book has no place in family shopping baskets, it means society is distancing itself from the primary sources of growth and knowledge.
Hashemi continued: Books in the country have become a low-demand commodity, and statistics clearly show that book sales, even among large publishers, have decreased in number. In many cases, the print runs of books have fallen from several thousand copies in the past to 200 to 700 copies.
He added: Publishers, knowing that their books have buyers, still proceed with caution and hesitation when reprinting, because they know that capital return may take months and sometimes one or more years. But the question is: Why is no one thinking about this important issue? How is it possible that while we all know reading is the foundation of the cultural and social growth of any nation, the situation of publishing and bookstores is so overlooked?
Hashemi, by stating that we should not assume people are not fond of books, reminded: Iranian people are fond of reading; the new generation, despite all the changes that have occurred in lifestyle and media, is still thirsty for knowledge. Today’s teenagers and youth are an intelligent generation; it is true that they spend many hours in virtual spaces, but they have gradually realized that however entertaining social networks may be, there is nothing in them to enrich the human soul or give insight.
He stated that many of them turn to books to find answers to their questions, to find peace, and to find meaning amidst this hustle and bustle, saying: But at the very first step, they face heavy prices. This is where it must be said that the high price of books has nothing to do with a lack of demand; rather, the chain of costs has become so heavy that even the love and passion for reading fall short against it.
He added: In such circumstances, bookstores, these small havens of thought, need support more than ever. Many large bookstores have only been able to keep their lights on by selling non-book items such as stationery, handicrafts, or other cultural products; otherwise, they cannot survive on book sales alone.
Difficult Situation for Booksellers in Towns
Hashemi, stating that smaller bookstores in cities and towns face a much more difficult situation, explained: These stores, which started their work with love and faith in culture, are now one by one on the verge of closure. Behind every shutter that comes down, the dream of a book lover collapses.
He, by raising the issue that from here, cultural officials of the country must be addressed to help this guild, stated: The guild of booksellers, publishers, and publishing activists needs real support; not just slogans. Tax reduction, low-interest bank facilities, support schemes for purchasing books from publishers and bookstores, and incentive programs to promote reading can all play a role in saving this cultural cycle.
Hashemi said: Cultural institutions are expected to breathe new life into bookstores with creative ideas and plans. But alongside all these complaints and concerns, we must not forget our gratitude to the noble and culture-loving people of Iran. In these difficult times, there are still those who visit bookstores, buy books, converse, and their presence is a great encouragement for us. And every time they step into a bookstore, they should know that they are not just buying a book, but helping the continuity of a thousand-year-old culture; a culture based on pen and thought.
Hashemi, stating that people should all join hands again during Book Week, said: Authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers must believe that books can still make us feel better, brighten our outlook, and make our world more humane. And I hope this week is the beginning of a new movement; a movement to restore the passion for reading and hope for the future of Iranian culture.
