Spain considers penalties for online book sales to protect small bookstores

The Spanish government is considering measures to curb online book sales in a bid to protect independent bookstores, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said Thursday.

Speaking on Cadena SER radio on World Book Day, Urtasun said one proposal under review would require large online platforms to charge minimum delivery fees for book purchases, preventing free shipping.

France already has a similar measure, charging a minimum shipping fee of €3 ($3.50) for all online book orders of less than €35.

“We are looking at a range of options because we are concerned about the continuation of the thousands of small bookstores across the country, which also serve as cultural hubs,” Urtasun said.

He added that the Spanish government already provides direct support to independent bookstores.

“Buying a book in a small bookstore is never the same as buying online,” he said. “You can get advice, have a conversation with the bookseller.”

Despite the shift in purchasing habits, Urtasun said reading in Spain has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching “record levels” with women and young people leading the trend.

He highlighted the importance of World Book Day, celebrated as Sant Jordi in Catalonia, where people traditionally exchange books and roses, calling it “the epicenter of a phenomenon that has multiplied reading and strengthened our publishing industry.”