This week's Booking Through Thurday says:
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?
I try to do a little of all of it. I love using the library because we have a great interlibrary loan system where I can borrow books from libraries across the state (very nice since MT is a rural state!). So I can get most of what I'm looking for there. But knowing I "have" to read it in a certain amount of time, along with worrying about messing up the book, I am more nervous about reading a library book than one that I own. The pressure!
I also love to buy used books. I mostly get them from the local book exchange or sometimes from half.com or amazon.com (but I hate paying shipping). I haven't really bought from Goodwill because there is no method to the madness. There are just random books everywhere and my toddler is somehow not very patient while I peruse the shelves. Go figure.
Sometimes, though, I hear about a book and I've just GOT to have it! Now! That's when I buy brand spanking new books. It's not very often I do this, but it does happen. Mostly it seems I do this for non-fiction spiritual growth type books, since I like to write in those.
Since I started reviewing books I don't buy as much now. I have a steady flow of incoming books that keeps me busy (and happy!).
I like owning books that I really enjoyed reading. Even though I'm not much of a re-reader I guess I like having them there to remind me of the story. I can look at the book and remember it. And maybe I like having the option to read it again if I want to. I don't know. I just like seeing lots of books on the shelf. That warm fuzzy feeling!
You can tell a lot about someone by looking at their shelves. I find that endlessly fascinating.
ReplyDeletePlus, the books makes great decoration.
I buy any books as well, used, new whatever! I agree with you - I just love to OWN the books :)
ReplyDeleteWow! You have a gorgeous blog. I love owning my own books. Since I've been in tours for two years, I've missed going to the store. haha. A girl got to shop! Many times, the tours miss really good authors who may not have the money to tour books. I like to support them as well. Happy BTT! P.S. I miss having a well-stocked library.
ReplyDelete"Warm and fuzzy"... Oh yes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today. There is something about ownership.
ReplyDeleteI'm always buying books. I buy them because I want to have them, period. I like to maintain a history of my reading over the years. There are so many good literature out there that have been overlooked by readers that after the first, or second printing they will go out-of-print. I'm always buying and preserving what I enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteSome books simply must be purchased. Here's my answer.
ReplyDeletehttp://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/2008/11/booking-through-thursday.html
I get most of my reading material from my local library, but there are a lot of books the library can't/won't carry. So if I really want to read something, i'll try to find it at a second hand bookstore, ebay or somewhere Amazon. But other times, like when Nicholas Sparks has a new book come out, I buy that brand spanking new.
ReplyDeleteI am like you, I buy what I must have! When I get my new book shelf, I will definitely keep more books. I have kept a lot of mine because I like to lend them out. Especially the self help ones! I have had some make endless circles. I liked your answers as usual!
ReplyDeletePS...I'll be emailing you back tomorrow! You had quite a weekend!
HUGS
I'm not much of a re-reader either, which makes my addiction to buying books even stranger, I guess.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a series, I buy it, because I can't wait for the next one in the series to come in at the library. I hate it when our local library has the first and the 4th book in the series, but the 2nd and 3rd are nowhere to be found...at any of the branches.
ReplyDeleteSo, pretty much, I'm a patient person.
Interlibrary loan is great! We live in a small town and I'm not sure our local library has it but the library in a slightly larger town 20 mins. away does and I love having that option.
ReplyDelete