Books are still around, but aren't produced anymore. As you stated, they're collector's items, and for the most part what books have survived are either more resilient hardbacks, or paperbacks that were mass produced in huge quantities (think Stephen King, Tolkien, even things like Twilight). Oftentimes, books are bought and sold at the same sort of high-end auctions that fine art and antiques would be in our world.
Because humidity and light can wreak havoc on paper, especially cheaper paperbacks, most collectors keep their collections in climate controlled rooms and rarely actually read them. They've become display pieces rather than functional items. However, most people don't have reason to be secretive about these collections, so it would be easy enough to find a few collectors among the upper classes. The upcoming charity ball would be a great place to start!
Stealing a book would be a bigger task. Most of the people with the means to collect them also have the means to protect them, so security will be tight, and breaking in will require some creativity.
no subject
Books are still around, but aren't produced anymore. As you stated, they're collector's items, and for the most part what books have survived are either more resilient hardbacks, or paperbacks that were mass produced in huge quantities (think Stephen King, Tolkien, even things like Twilight). Oftentimes, books are bought and sold at the same sort of high-end auctions that fine art and antiques would be in our world.
Because humidity and light can wreak havoc on paper, especially cheaper paperbacks, most collectors keep their collections in climate controlled rooms and rarely actually read them. They've become display pieces rather than functional items. However, most people don't have reason to be secretive about these collections, so it would be easy enough to find a few collectors among the upper classes. The upcoming charity ball would be a great place to start!
Stealing a book would be a bigger task. Most of the people with the means to collect them also have the means to protect them, so security will be tight, and breaking in will require some creativity.