As the Christmas season gets into full swing, Intergraf has joined forces with European publishers and booksellers to urge European governments to recognise the value and importance of printed books.
In a joint statement Integraf, the association representing the different print federations around Europe (the BPIF is a member), the European International Booksellers Federation and the Federation of European Publishers, are stressing the value of the printed book and the part it played in the challenging last 18 months.
While the importance of print as a means of switching off from omnipresent digital connectivity is part of the argument, the trio point out that the book’s role in disseminating knowledge is “essential in promoting freedom of expression”, as well as being essential to the development of local communities, provides access to culture and, equally, the book supply chain being essential to Europe’s economy.
With further lockdowns anticipated in order to slow the spread of new variants of Covid-19, the statement urges governments across Europe to grant books recognition as essential cultural goods, as Italy, France and Belgium already have. This would mean that book stores would remain open during any lockdown, thus keeping books available to consumers, and protecting the interests of printers, publishers and book shops against the impact of Amazon.
Intergraf President Ulrich Stetter says: “Books are a very important cultural and educational product. Reading long informational texts in print has proven to be better for understanding and retention. Books are important for learning and understanding complex facts. Europe is in a great position to have an industry composed of small and medium sized companies that are active in this sector. The Christmas season is one of the most important seasons for our companies and we need to ensure that the value chain continues to strive – especially in these difficult times.”
A full declaration is being prepared by the partner organisations for later publication.
EIBF co president Jean-Luc Treutenaere notes that “the bookselling, publishing and printing sectors stand united in emphasising the essential value of books, especially during the festive season. This holiday season, visit your local bookshop: there is no gift quite like a book.”
In short a book is for a life, not just for Christmas.
