Are books still relevant?

In the internet surf this morning, I encountered these musings about books and our culture:

Amusing Ourselves to Death - a comparison of Brave New World to Orwells 1984

Mrs. Brightside solemly notes the closing of her community's Borders and the place books have in her life - Books.

Don't You Evah Interrupt me while I'm reading a book! H/T Sheese



Don't forget to check out Sassy Banana -- it still has that new blog smell.

Lonely Planet's Ten Best Bookstores

Although I've been to Paris, Rome and London (twice), the only bookstore I've been to on Lonely Planet's list of the world's best bookstores is City Lights in San Francisco.

Do you visit bookstores when you travel? Have you been to any of these distinguished bookshops?