I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?
Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?
If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?
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I definitely most often buy books, or get them from BookMooch. I very occasionally borrow books for research from my university libraries, but I can’t even remember the last time I borrowed something from the public library.
I buy a lot of books because I need them for school, as they are on reading lists and suchlike. I’ve found it’s simply more convenient to have a copy that I can write in, if need be, and that I can throw around in my backpack without worrying overmuch because it belongs to someone else. So that’s one of the reasons I elect to purchase rather than borrow. I tend to abuse my books a bit, and it’s nice to know that I won’t be fined or frowned at for doing so!
I think the biggest thing otherwise is that I like to have books on hand. I re-read things a lot, and since I never know what mood will strike me, I have to be prepared! Besides, books are neat. I love being surrounded by words, and after a while, many of my editions start to feel like old friends. I like being able to lend books out to people — to have lots of resources when my mom or my brothers come to me and say, “I need a book to read.”
Plus, it’s hard to fit going to the library into my schedule. Well, actually, that’s not strictly true. If I really wanted to do it, I could. But I can’t be bothered. There are still loads of books in the house that I haven’t read, and so why go out of my way to reach inferior copies? Sure, sometimes I’ll end up buying a dud — but in that case, I can pass it along on BookMooch to someone who’d really like to read it.
I’m actually surprised when I run into people who are big library users. I’m all for libraries, but when it comes to borrowing books, I’m much more likely to grab them from friends.
Other than beginning-of-term buying, I don’t actually purchase books that often, so it’s not a huge problem fiscally. When I do go book hunting, I hit the second-hand and discount shops first; I hardly ever buy new anymore, and when I do, it’s usually not from a big box chain. I like supporting the little places in my neighbourhood — and when I can sometimes get 10 books for $20, why would I trade that in for one new trade paperback? Madness!
Storage can be a bigger problem. I have four bookcases in my bedroom, and they are each full and overflowing. From where I’m sitting I can see six other stacks of books, of varying sizes. These are mostly on the floor. I’m going to see if I can rearrange my room over the Christmas holidays to accomodate one more set of shelves. Because purging is out of the question, you know. (Addicted? Who, me?)
Perhaps one day I’ll start borrowing more, depending on where I live and how much room I have — but for the moment, books are cheap and plentiful and make me happy, and so I buy.
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I’m a buyer for different reasons than you. I like the feel of a brand new book in my hands and I like supporting the authors. But I’ll admit I’ve just gotten back into my library. Buying books comes with the problem that you need some space to put them…
even if it is just on the floor.
Most important for me to have a sense of belonging for that book. Sounds strange, does it?
Must buy!
Up until I started getting ARCs I was at the library once or twice a week checking out books. I remember when I was in college though I didn’t use the library as much, and bought my own books. Now I have two kids, so going to the library is a must for them even if I do have ARCs aplenty!
I’m a re-reader too, and that’s one of the reasons why I buy books too. I’ve found myself buying second copies of books I *know* I have but can’t find at the moment I needed them, because I just needed to read that book at that moment!
I am a library user. I do purchase some, though. Here’s my answer:
http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/
I loved what you said about books becoming like old friends! It is so true, I have books that I have had for many years and ready many times, I think it is lovely to have a house full of books!
Happy BTT!
Thanks for the tip on BookMooch. I only have one bookcase in my bedroom… I double them up per shelf. I need a new one and have no idea where to put it. 6! You blow me away!
I agree with you… I borrow AND buy, but I could never give up buying entirely. And I too abuse my books a bit…
Space issues have forced me to use my library selectively. I still buy, but some books are better borrowed.
Library’s are a great resource for a lot of people, for me when I was much younger and my mother would take me. We always had a ton of store bought books growing up but we did borrow a lot also. Now I just buy, although recently I did borrow 2 audio books which ended up being over due! Thanks for visiting my blog
Well I’m on of those frequent library visitors you don’t understand and you’re a frequent buyer I don’t understand.
Oftentimes at the library book sale I’ll see a book I want to read but will make myself not get it because I can just read it from the library when I’m ready to. All the books I DO buy from there or the thrift store just sit on my shelves never to be read. If I get it from the library, it will get read.
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Huzzah used books! And borrowing from friends. And also libraries. Did you know the research libraries on our campus also contain novels? Novel.
I borrow tons of books from the library, mostly adult that I will read one time. I am also a book collector, especially of folk tales so I have shelves and shelves full of beautiful books that just make me feel happy. My ready excuse for buying books is that I’m ensuring there will be copies of these books saved for the future.
We live way too close to two huge book conglomerates and it’s just too easy to go visit on lunch or on the way home. The last few months of the year works well for me because I get a huge pile of books for my b-day and another for Xmas so I’m set for now.
I’d rather buy, really, mostly because borrowing isn’t really an option. Still, if the libraries offer good service, why not?
My take on “Why Buy?”
I love owing books….kinda like trophies
I always plan to go to the library… but seems like I always think of actually going on, say, a Sunday afternoon. But my bookshelves are always open.