Sunday book market in Lahore struggles to retain readers in digital age

The Sunday book market has long been known for its collection of rare novels, textbooks, historical documents and literary works

LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 8^th, 2026) The Sunday book market held every week near Mall Road and Anarkali remains more than just a place for buying and selling books; it represents a living chapter of Lahore’s intellectual and cultural heritage.

However, the rapid rise of digital technology has significantly affected the market’s traditional appeal. While smartphones, tablets and the internet have made access to information easier than ever, many long-standing reading traditions are gradually fading.

For decades, small libraries across Lahore’s neighborhoods, streets and markets served as centers of learning where students spent evenings reading books and newspapers and participating in intellectual discussions. Today, the widespread use of digital devices has transformed the way people consume information, challenging the conventional role of books and libraries.

The Sunday book market has long been known for its collection of rare novels, textbooks, historical documents and literary works. Elderly visitors often recall a time when pavements were lined with stacks of books and crowded with eager buyers. Booksellers say the scene has changed considerably over recent years, with a noticeable decline in customer numbers.

Despite the challenges, the market still offers yellowed pages of old books, rare editions and works by lesser-known authors, attracting readers who remain devoted to the written word.

Umair Akbar, who has been selling books at the market for the past 30 years, said inflation has also contributed to the decline in sales. He noted that many people are focused on meeting basic household expenses, leaving book purchases lower on their list of priorities.

He stressed the need for government initiatives to promote reading habits and said parents and teachers should also encourage children to develop an interest in books.

Ahmad Raza, a student at Government College University Lahore, said online material is readily available, but books remain the most reliable source for exam preparation. He added that the Sunday market provides quality books at affordable prices, making them accessible to students.

Another visitor, Maryam Fatima, who works in the private sector, said she has enjoyed reading novels since childhood.

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According to her, reading on a mobile phone can quickly become tiring, while holding a physical book offers a more engaging experience. She said she buys several books every month to maintain her reading habit.

Retired teacher Professor Sajjad Hussain said books not only provide information but also help develop critical thinking skills. He warned that declining reading habits among younger generations could weaken language proficiency and analytical abilities.

Education professional Muhammad Usman said the intellectual progress of any society is closely linked to its reading culture. He noted that books encourage curiosity, questioning and deeper reflection, while much of the content available on social media often remains limited to surface-level information.

He added that prolonged screen use is affecting the attention span of young people, whereas reading books helps improve concentration and analytical skills. He pointed out that many developed nations continue to invest heavily in libraries and books for this reason.

Khadija Asif, a psychology student, said reading can help reduce mental stress by allowing readers to temporarily disconnect from daily pressures and immerse themselves in a different world, promoting mental well-being and positive thinking.

Literary critic and author Dr Khalid Parvez said books serve as a nation’s collective memory. He warned that weakening reading traditions could negatively affect a society’s intellectual and cultural foundations and called for more reading-related activities in schools, colleges and universities.

Held every Sunday near Mall Road and Anarkali, the market continues to serve as a quiet effort to preserve the culture of reading. Even in an era dominated by digital technology, the market stands as a reminder that the connection people share with physical books remains difficult to replace.

Although the scent of books may not be as strong as it once was, their appeal continues to endure among those who view reading as more than a source of information but as an experience in itself.