Coronavirus Qld: Book sales surge amid hibernation

It might have been pooh-poohed in a pre-pandemic world, but this age-old leisure activity is making a comeback in a big way.

THE bookworm is back in fashion.

Amid isolation boredom, Australian bookshop websites have reported a spike of up to 400 per cent in e-book purchases.

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Both Angus & Robertson and Booktopia have reported a gigantic rise in sales, according to brand and content manager Mark Harding.

“Over the past three weeks we've seen a 120 per cent increase in e-book reading compared to the same time last year, with the first Sunday in lockdown seeing a digital reading spike of 75 per cent across the country,” he said.

Local stores are also flourishing under isolation conditions, with Little Bird Bookshop at Paddington enjoying 50 per cent more sales in April than November last year.

Hugo Dolan, 10, gets lost in some good books at his Paddington home. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

“There’s definitely been an increased demand of people wanting to read physical books,” owner Chris Oliver said.

“I’ve had to increase my orders to keep up.

“I’ve seen more families on walks stopping by and finding something they’re interested in.

“It's good to see kids are still into reading.”

One of those avid readers is 10-year-old Hugo Dolan, whose love for books has allowed him to power through multiple series.

“It’s more interesting when you can read a character’s thoughts – they’re (books) better than movies or TV shows,” he said.