Interesting thought, but I don't agree. Maybe I'm selfish but never once have I thought about the author when I'm buying a book. Nor have I heard or read anything from anyone saying "You know what, I'm not going to get that book at the library. I'm going to pay for it so the author is fairly compensated."

That was the same for me until social media came along and I was able to talk with authors I liked. Either way, I'm not sure going to a bookstore and buying a book says anything about culture other than people are used to buying things so they can keep them.