E-books vs. Regular Books - Which Is Really Better?

This is a debate which has gone on since e-books were introduced to the mass market. Original thoughts on this introduction went something like this:

 "E-books are totally going to be the new norm!"
 "Paperbacks won't be produced anymore! I gotta go and get an e-reader!"
 "Why would I still need to visit the library to get books? I can get everything from home!"
 "All hail the power of the almighty internet! I won't ever have to leave my house again!" 

Ok, so maybe not that last comment.......But it was certainly a thought in many people's minds after the unveiling of e-books. You wouldn't have to make a special trip to the library to get an e-book, you could just download it off of the internet or onto the system directly. People thought that libraries would turn into something like this:

However, paperback books are still just as common as e-books, with no real change in how we enjoy materials other then a new medium to enjoy them in. Why is this? Everyone thought libraries were going to go the way of the Dodo, why are they still running to this day?

There are a number of reasons as to why this is the case.

1) People need assistance with e-readers and online books, so they head to the library to ask for assistance
2) Some people have problems learning how to use the e-readers, and revert back to books
3) Some people enjoy the sensory experience of a paper book - the feel of the pages, the smell....
4) Libraries are not just full of books, but also have other materials that you can't get online
5) Libraries lend out e-books and e-readers and offer courses in how different systems work, as well as answer questions about how to download books from the library and other sources

Basically, libraries are helping people to adapt to this new technology while still providing an alternative way of enjoying it in the form of paperback books. Many libraries now purchase books in both formats (if available) to provide both kinds of readers with the information that they need.

In my personal opinion, I don't see why someone has to choose a side - there are positive and negative aspects to each. I love to read in general, and love the sensory experience that comes with reading a paperback. Although, I have found that if I am going on a long trip - I have to bring so many books that my suitcase weighs a ton! My Kobo is a good way to avoid bringing the extra weight while still bringing enough books. However, the big downside to e-readers is that they require electricity (sometimes wifi) and need charging - so you have to bring a power cord, or a paper book as backup if you can't find somewhere to charge it. Something that lots of people don't take into consideration is reading speed, I read incredibly fast and sometimes find that I passed over an important paragraph or something in my excitement and need to go back and re-read it. Paperback books are easier to re-read or to open up at your favorite part to read it again, while e-readers vary in how easy it is to do this - although most require a lot of extra clicking and navigating to do so.

In closing, I leave you with this question: Which side are you on in the ongoing battle of books vs e-books? Are you all for paperbacks? Love the new technology? Or do you enjoy both for different reasons? Let me know in the comments!