Toward or in the direction of books; a variant or plural form of the directional term relating to books.
From 'bookward' (book + -ward) with an additional '-s' suffix, possibly from Old Norse influence on directional formations. This variant appears in literary and specialized contexts.
Like 'afterwards' and 'towards,' the '-s' version suggests a slightly more elaborate or poetic register—writers choose 'bookwards' over 'bookward' for its flowing, rhythmic quality.
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