Patti Smith has asked publishers and book lovers to make a stand against modern technology, to keep traditional books alive.

The singer made the appeal after winning a National Book Award for her memoir, 'Just For Kids', whilst collecting 6,250 pound prize, reports BBC News.

"There is nothing more beautiful than the book, the paper, the font, the cloth," she said. "Please never abandon the book," she added.

Meanwhile, Smith is set to appear on R.E.M's new album 'Collapse Into Now' due out in early 2011.

(by Holly Frith)