The Crisis of the Book…?!
BY: Petrit F. Zeneli
More precisely, is it a crisis of readers or of creators? That is the question!
It is said that “books illuminate the mind, and the mind changes the world!” But how well has this axiom worked in Albania so far? Unfortunately, not much! This is our societal problem—a lack of sufficient civilization, an inability for intensive progressive thinking, extreme cultural stratification, a mass obsession with diplomas (especially from abroad), yet still an empirical, irrational, and short-sighted administration and politics. Generally, an egotistical, critical society that attributes every flaw to others, not to itself; one not inclined toward sacrifice, love, or tolerance, which is, among other things, a result of inadequately enlightened minds.
This is not to say that there are no efforts by numerous groups, institutions, and Albanian intellectuals to spread or donate books within our society. According to the philosopher Bergson, an intellectual who shares books is a victor, distributing influence and expanding their own personality. Under this motto, I personally completed my second “marathon” of donating over 3,200 books (through TIKA and the ALSAR Foundation) to cities across Albania. This time, the journey included Krujë, Laç, Lezhë, Shkodër, Burrel, Klos, Bulqizë, Peshkopi, Kukës, Rrëshen, Cërrik, Gramsh, Kuçovë, Berat, Poliçan, and Çorovodë (not to mention Tirana, with the acute issues of the National Library).
Once again, this was an extraordinary experience, combining learning with enjoying the beauty of the homeland, every corner of it. The same thrill and unforgettable impressions struck me as 47 years ago when, before taking the Geography of Albania exam, we traveled by bus for a month over two consecutive years, crossing Albania from south to north. With a physical map in front and our professor guiding us, we “touched” every mountain, plain, village, city, river, stream, lake, factory, mine, hydroelectric plant, archaeological site, tourist area, museum, etc., eventually sitting for the exam.
I retraced a similar route in late 2024, now more mature and witnessing a transformed Albania with much more beautiful towns and villages but halved populations, lacking industry and agriculture, while greenery and forests are rapidly regenerating thanks to being spared from the axes of heartless individuals. How vast Albania felt this time! Endless space…entire empty zones, clean yet sleepy towns and roads, villages devoid of the clanging bells of herds, barking dogs, clucking chickens, or chimney smoke. A mix of sadness and exhilaration!
I thought to myself, I could take the geography exam again today, as nothing escaped my sharp, critical, and admiring eye. I would surely score a ten once more because this mission was simultaneously human, enlightening, and exploratory. Naturally, the 10-day tour culminated in assessing the state of books in libraries, institutions, universities, and some schools, forming the most beautiful and unique scientific study of my life.
Contrary to what some might think—that there are no libraries or readers left in Albania—the reality is not entirely so. Not only do people still read, but libraries fulfilling this mission are, with a few small exceptions, functional, beautiful, rich, and dignified. They bear the names of cultural giants like “Marin Barleti,” “Gjergj Fishta,” “Thimi Mitko,” “Vexhi Buharaja,” “Pjetër Budi,” “Gjon Gazulli,” “Mitrush Kuteli,” “Dritëro Agolli,” and more.
This year’s Book Fair in Tirana, with an extraordinary influx of visitors from the capital and beyond, also demonstrated that Albanians, despite endless information alternatives and artificial intelligence, do not easily give up on books. Of course, the largest percentage of buyers were students and schoolchildren, thanks to teachers and professors recommending literature. However, even those who were once “young friends of books” have not abandoned the habit.
Friendly conversations with passionate library staff, university, school, and institution workers were among the most interesting: heartfelt thanks for the valuable donations, exchange of work experiences, browsing through reader cards that have nearly halved due to population decline, exploring old and new book collections, impressive activities dedicated to authors or outstanding books, complaints about lack of space and catalog systems, and finally, two current pains: the absence of evening readers (as in the past) and the lack of literary and scientific masterpieces addressing major societal issues, for which readers are hungry.
We were of one mind on these points, as well as the concern that fairs and bookstores are dominated by reprints of old books and so-called “Best Sellers,” not to mention the topic of prices. Am I not right, then, when I say at the outset that this is more a crisis of creators than of readers? Who writes, how do they write, and why does it serve me? The reader asks these questions, for unfortunately, there are also mediocre publications, leading to people distancing themselves from bookstores and libraries.
The so-called “enemies” of books today are said to be written and visual media, the internet, social networks, etc., where you can learn everything without needing books. In fact, it is not so! Books have been and remain the king of knowledge because they are the most accurate and irreplaceable reference source for any other medium. Social media and networks, often inaccurate, biased, and unregulated, provide flash news that leaves no lasting mark, fading within the day, dulling the brain, and consequently diminishing the creative and analytical-deductive or inductive abilities of individuals.
Talks of a book crisis and fewer library readers were already happening in 1936, leading to a meeting of representatives from 43 countries in Paris. It was emphasized that we should not speak of a reader crisis because books were resisting competition from cinema and radio. Washington’s library increased its capacity then from 5 million to 9 million titles. Meanwhile, the National Library of France in Paris added two underground floors with 20 kilometers of bookshelves. Even today, books (with their millennia-long history) are successfully resisting all other endless alternatives of information.
At least since the 14th century, books have been among the main causes of reform and the Enlightenment in Europe, initially limiting knowledge to the privileged but ultimately benefiting the general good. Even in the 21st century, with the emergence of e-books and audiobooks available online, they are still called books.
“But where do we find time to read,” someone might say, “work keeps us busy!” What work?! Books are not for the idle but for the diligent, the fighters, those who want to beautify their lives and advance society—not for those who stagnate in the swamp of lethargy and routine, merely passing the days. Books enhance imagination, confidence, emotion, intelligence, memory, wisdom, and communicative and competitive abilities. So let us read as much as possible—in libraries, at home, in bed, at cafés, on trains, at the beach, in the mountains—and soon our society will emerge into the light. Our greatest writers and scientists will create masterpieces, and the youth will dedicate themselves to work here and love this country endlessly!
CREATED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”
