Reading is social! And having physical books and libraries allows you to share with your friends what you are reading in a concrete, physical, albeit arguably performative way. And it also allows you to share the book itself with others.

Sharing a good book with a friend who I know will appreciate it, is one of the loveliest things. I love my ebook too, but my e-library does not lend itself to organically sharing books after I've finished them. In this loneliness epidemic, book sharing is perhaps one of many social activities we should strive to not leave behind. Even just seeing a stranger on the bus reading a book that you have read and loved can be a special catalyst for connection and community in the physical world.

Granted, none of that applies to showing off books on tiktok for the clout/likes. Like many things on tiktok, I also feel a little cynical about that.