That’s always been one of their reasons for being. Jake Bittle offers up some more:
But the pleasure we get from physical books isn’t even just about these “shiny” covers or the “satisfying” feel of the paper. It’s also about the collection of objects, the ability to see the supposed growth of our intellect advertised in terms of shelf space. Even if my entire library can fit in my pocket—which was the whole pitch of the Kindle in the first place—I don’t think I want it to. The pleasure of owning beautiful objects like books is, after all, not just a private pleasure. It’s also a shared pleasure, which means that my book collection doesn’t only have to inspire pride in me and envy in others. It can also inspire meaningful conversation.