Back to Paper as digital publishers rediscover the joy of real books

At this year’s Algiers International Book Fair (SILA), two women-led publishing houses, Aram and Lis-moi, are proving that paper books still have a beating heart in the digital age. Once pioneers in e-books, they’re now circling back to their first love  the printed page.

Among the 1,200 publishers at SILA, many are newcomers eager to meet readers face-to-face. For Nacera Khiat, founder of Aramebook.com, Algeria’s first platform for digital books, the comeback to print feels natural. “The physical book has always been my first love,” she says. Passionate about children’s literature, Khiat believes young readers need to hold real books  stories that carry strong human values without preaching.

Her stand buzzes with excitement over a new release by actress Bahia Rachedi, co-written with Othmane Aoudjit, a title Aram proudly spotlights this year. Khiat now juggles both worlds: “Aramebook.com is for digital books, but Aram is our heart   our own carefully chosen works for readers to discover.”

Another newcomer, Hadjer Mekaoui, founder of Read Me  also took the leap from online to print with 35 new titles. “Most of my books sell abroad, not here,” she admits. “SILA is my chance to change that  to meet readers, hear their thoughts, and connect beyond the screen.”

From digital dreams to the scent of fresh pages, these women remind us that while technology evolves, the magic of a real book never fades.