library
Despite naysayers, books are alive and well
By Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
The first in a series of six panel and craft talks open to the public at Summer Words took place on June 22. While writers walked away with technical information about pitching books, the overall takeaway was: Despite societal changes — ranging from the popularity of video games and streaming to ...
Key takeaway While readers’ appetites continue to shift and publishers are still trying to figure it all out, publishers are making more money than they ever have, said moderator Ryan Harbage.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The thriving state of the book industry has significant implications for Aspen , a town that prides itself on being a cultural center. The success of events like Summer Words, which drew 77 writers to its juried workshops, demonstrates the community's appetite for literary pursuits. As the publishing industry continues to evolve, Aspen's own literary scene is likely to benefit, with local bookstores, libraries, and writing groups potentially seeing increased interest and participation. The fact that readers are seeking books as a means of escape and deeper engagement suggests that Aspen's residents and visitors will continue to value the town's literary offerings, from author readings to book clubs. With its strong cultural infrastructure, Aspen is well-positioned to support and nurture the literary arts, providing a vibrant ecosystem for writers, readers, and publishers to thrive. This, in turn, can help to further establish Aspen as a hub for creative and intellectual pursuits.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: library ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The first in a series of six panel and craft talks open to the public at Summer Words took place on June 22. While writers walked away with technical information about pitching books, the overall takeaway was: Despite societal changes — ranging from the popularity of video games and streaming to ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kimberly Nicoletti Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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