From dusty shelves to digital screens: How Cameroonians are reshaping the way they read 📚

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In both bustling cities and quiet villages across Cameroon, reading habits are evolving—quietly but profoundly. Physical libraries still stand, but for a growing number of readers, especially the youth, digital books are becoming the norm. And rather than replacing one with the other, many Cameroonians are juggling both.

Libraries still hold charm, but foot traffic is down 🏛️

Some libraries continue to serve students, researchers, and teachers—but their attendance has dwindled. Sparse collections and aging infrastructure struggle to keep up with the speed and convenience of the digital world.

“There’s no point paying for a taxi to subscribe to a library when I’ve got everything on my phone,” says Rodrigue, a civil servant. “I have an EPUB library on my device, I download at least ten books a day. Why go to a library anymore?”

For many, libraries are now used only for academic necessities. Unreliable electricity, outdated catalogs, and inflexible hours have made visits less appealing. Still, students like Charline, a literature major, see lasting value.

“Nothing can replace the feeling of flipping a page,” she says. “There’s a calm, a softness to paper that scrolling can’t give you. Libraries still matter, especially when your phone dies.”

She adds that the quiet atmosphere of libraries helps her focus, and she appreciates the tactile connection to books. Some local publishers have taken note, offering digital editions of their works. Teachers, too, are sharing materials through platforms and messaging apps.

The appeal of digital is hard to beat 📲

Meanwhile, digital books are becoming the go-to for urban youth. Thanks to smartphones and a steady stream of PDFs on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Drive, getting a novel or a textbook is easier than ever.

“Paper books? That’s just for nostalgia or decoration,” says Mamadou, a student. “With even a basic phone, I carry a whole library. I read in taxis, in waiting rooms, before bed. If I don’t understand a word, I just Google it. The time and money I save is priceless.”

For Junior, an entrepreneur, online resources are a game changer.

“I dropped out after high school, but I’m still learning—thanks to my phone. I read PDFs on business, personal growth, even fiction. I’ve probably read more than some college grads I know.”

Not everyone is online yet ⚠️

Despite the surge in digital reading, access remains uneven. In rural areas and among older generations, the digital divide is real. Devices are scarce, and digital skills can be lacking.

“I’m old school—I need to hold a book,” says Alexis, in his 60s. “I like to highlight, write notes, feel the paper. That experience just can’t be digitized. Screens tire my eyes anyway, and honestly, I don’t even know how to use those apps.”

Even in cities, not every student can afford a good smartphone or laptop. Digital may be cheaper, but it hasn’t erased inequality.

It’s not digital vs. paper—it’s both 🤝

For many Cameroonian readers, paper and digital are not in competition—they’re complementary. Some read a digital preview before deciding to print or buy a physical copy. Others use libraries for research and their phones for on-the-go reading.

“For research, digital wins hands down,” says Vanessa, a student. “I can access hundreds of resources from my phone, even at night. But for leisure reading, I prefer paper. It helps me unplug and really connect with what I’m reading.”

Some urban libraries are starting to adapt, offering computer access or links to online databases. These small steps signal a potential future for hybrid reading models that blend tradition with tech.

A chance to democratize reading 🚀

Cameroon’s shift toward digital reading is an opportunity. Authorities could invest in modernizing libraries, expand access to e-books, and support local authors in both formats.

Between the nostalgia of paper and the convenience of mobile reading, Cameroonians are navigating a complex shift—shaped by tech access, budget limits, and cultural habits. One thing is clear: the hunger for knowledge endures, no matter the medium.

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Do you prefer printed books or digital reading? Why? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

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