Buy or borrow

curlylaura · 04-04-2011, 02:08 PM

Do you prefer to buy or borrow books?

I prefer to buy so i can keep thr book and read at my own pace but lack of money is meaning I'm going to have to use the library.

kayb · 04-04-2011, 05:34 PM

Buy. For two reasons: I want to have a personal library someday, and I want one big enough to take up an entire room. I also plan to bequeath said books to the local library when I die, can't give what you don't own.

Jaynee · 04-04-2011, 05:51 PM

I use the library whenever I can. If they don't have what I want I try to get it off of Paperback Swap and if I can't get it there I will buy it used off of half.com

Basically, I don't like buying books if I don't have to because I won't read them again.

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PartyHair · 04-04-2011, 05:53 PM

Borrow - I'm a HUGE fan of my public library. And by being such a regular borrower, I'm helping my own little library out because the more their books circulate, the better off they are. I feel like borrowing from the library is part of my civic duty.

That said, I buy books that I love. So I guess I do both.

Also? I don't really care about library fines - if I need to keep a book longer, I just keep it and pay my fine when it gets up to $10.00. Just another way of supporting my public library.

kat180 · 04-05-2011, 03:03 AM

I tend to buy more, just because I re-read books over and over and over again. As stupid as it sounds, I get very attached to them. The creases on the spine, where I've turned a page over - all hold memories for me. Its a personal thing. I love the smell of a fresh new book. I'm also building up my own library. So far I own around 500 or so. I've given away 12 in my lifetime that I didn't like.

I do also borrow books from the library (and if I like them I buy them) - but not so much recently. Ours isn't that well stocked and I really hate books with god knows what between the pages.

However I am a big supporter of libraries in general - I think they are wonderful and I wish the books there were better taken care of and had a bigger range.

KookyCurl · 04-05-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

I tend to buy more, just because I re-read books over and over and over again. As stupid as it sounds, I get very attached to them. The creases on the spine, where I've turned a page over - all hold memories for me. Its a personal thing. I love the smell of a fresh new book. I'm also building up my own library. So far I own around 500 or so. I've given away 12 in my lifetime that I didn't like.

I do also borrow books from the library (and if I like them I buy them) - but not so much recently. Ours isn't that well stocked and I really hate books with god knows what between the pages.

However I am a big supporter of libraries in general - I think they are wonderful and I wish the books there were better taken care of and had a bigger range.

I get super attached to my books too! They are my babies and best friends. I have a pretty large library at the moment (too big for my current space) and I'm trying to read through all the texts that I'm "supposed" to know as a potential English and Social Studies teacher so the library and I are BFF's right now! Now I only purchase books I really liked or need to reference often, authors I love, and copies of GWTW. I collect them. It's my goal to own at least one of every edition! I want to be a dorky expert they call to verify these things on Antiques Roadshow or something. No first editions yet but I do have 2 from 1939, a couple from the 60's (one with original jacket!) some paper back/trade editions, a movie edition and it keeps growing! I also have a growing collection of old editions of Longfellow's works as well as old history books. I need to start cataloging them!

Libraries have always been one of my favorite places to be so by patronizing them I help to keep them in business. It's so much less expensive and super easy. I utilize inter-library loan quite a bit as my local library is fairly small. General check out length is 3 weeks and I can easily renew. Most of the libraries in the state share a database with the local university system so I can log in from home or work, browse for books, order it on ILL if they don't have it at my local branch, and renew stuff (unless there's a hold on it). They also send me handy emails when I need to return/renew stuff. Tonight I start volunteering there too! Libraries also have great book sales to raise money and regain shelf space by selling off multiples of older books or ones that aren't circulating much any more or random patron donations they don't really need.

I think in my next life/when I retire I want to be a reference librarian. Too bad you need a master's for that too! I just want to help people research!

curlylaura · 04-05-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

I tend to buy more, just because I re-read books over and over and over again. As stupid as it sounds, I get very attached to them. The creases on the spine, where I've turned a page over - all hold memories for me. Its a personal thing. I love the smell of a fresh new book. I'm also building up my own library. So far I own around 500 or so. I've given away 12 in my lifetime that I didn't like.

I do also borrow books from the library (and if I like them I buy them) - but not so much recently. Ours isn't that well stocked and I really hate books with god knows what between the pages.

However I am a big supporter of libraries in general - I think they are wonderful and I wish the books there were better taken care of and had a bigger range.

To the bold: Apart from the quantity (500?) this is what I'm like. I can't get rid of books, even if I don't like them, it's so hard to do.

g donya · 04-05-2011, 01:00 PM

In the past, I did not have enough room to store all the books that I read. Now with e-books, I am able to purchase independent authors that are not available at my local library and so I am now buying more books. However, if a book is available in paper back I still go to the library and borrow it.

kat180 · 04-05-2011, 03:52 PM

A lot are art books and picture books as well that I collect as an illustrator

But yeah - Ive always had books as gifts because I read so much, and its the one thing along with hair products that I will splash out on because hey - those authors need incentive to keep writing to you know!

I've started wondering whether I should just be a librarian...lol BUT no doubt you need a degree in it or something? And I doubt it pays much. I also wonder whether there will be that many libraries soon....

squigglycurls · 04-05-2011, 05:10 PM

**Warning: Long Post**
I like to visit the library frequently. I used to really be into audio books but haven't checked any out in quite some time. I check out lots of paperback books for my kids when possible because I've had to replace quite a few hardback books which can get expensive. I don't squawk about it because I too don't mind supporting libraries.
I also like checking out DVDs and CDs and taking my kids there for the summer programs they offer. Whenever there's something new or popular I buy it instead of waiting on the list indefinitely.
I love going to bookstores with my friends for coffee and book browsing. The smell of bookstores is intoxicating to me as well as "Home Depot" (weird I know). I like to see what's new and I keep a running list of "must read" books based on what's in the bookstores. Sometimes I treat myself to a new book but mostly I treat my daughter.
I have a Kindle but don't use it much because I like the feel of a real book in my hands. Although "Soul Identity,"one Kindle book I read was a page turner. I've decided I would use the Kindle to read the classics, more or less.

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kat180 · 04-06-2011, 05:50 AM

That's why I've never and will never want a Kindle. I think they are great for some people - my mum has one. But I love the feel and smell of a book in my hands too much lol! Also if I've read a book - I like to add it to my collection on my gigantic bookshelf! lol

Tbh - I know it means you can carry more than one book with you which is great, but one the Kindle is in a cover its pretty darn heavy. Heavier then some of my books.

rj16 · 04-06-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

That's why I've never and will never want a Kindle. I think they are great for some people - my mum has one. But I love the feel and smell of a book in my hands too much lol! Also if I've read a book - I like to add it to my collection on my gigantic bookshelf! lol

Tbh - I know it means you can carry more than one book with you which is great, but one the Kindle is in a cover its pretty darn heavy. Heavier then some of my books.

It is that heavy??? I really really want one but I would hate to not use it because it is heavy... Is it like the weight of a novel? Or a small textbook?

Spiralli · 04-06-2011, 09:29 AM

I'm gonna say borrow (not from library thought because I can't handle the pressure of due dates and renewals). My borrowing is in the form of swapping through one of the online book swapping sites. I haven't purchased a book in about 2 years since doing this, and I get to have (and hold onto, until I can get around to reading it) almost any book I would have purchased otherwise. Swapping is sort of the best of both worlds, IMO.

curlywho · 04-06-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rj16

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

That's why I've never and will never want a Kindle. I think they are great for some people - my mum has one. But I love the feel and smell of a book in my hands too much lol! Also if I've read a book - I like to add it to my collection on my gigantic bookshelf! lol

Tbh - I know it means you can carry more than one book with you which is great, but one the Kindle is in a cover its pretty darn heavy. Heavier then some of my books.

It is that heavy??? I really really want one but I would hate to not use it because it is heavy... Is it like the weight of a novel? Or a small textbook?

Kindles are actually wicked light. The weigh less than most paperbacks. I carry mine around in my purse with a cover and I'm a weakling.

That being said, I LOVE my Kindle. I was hesitant about it because I like the feel and smell of books, but it is so incredibly worth it. I read a lot more often now because you can just take it out and read it whenever. Plus you don't have to worry about holding a book open (I know that sounds silly, but I hate when pages slip.) If I had to, I would buy mine again for twice the price I originally paid.

curlywho · 04-06-2011, 10:25 AM

I, personally have a problem borrowing books. (Before I start, I want to say I only hold myself to this, I don't judge anyone for borrowing books nor do I think libraries should go away or anything. I think they're good)

On some random message board someone said something like "How would you like it if you worked really hard on something, got it published, and then people just traded your work around the rest of your life" (It was worded better, of course.) It sort of hit home for me and made me feel guilty.... so I only buy books now.

SCG · 04-06-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PartyHair

Borrow - I'm a HUGE fan of my public library. And by being such a regular borrower, I'm helping my own little library out because the more their books circulate, the better off they are. I feel like borrowing from the library is part of my civic duty.

That said, I buy books that I love. So I guess I do both.

Also? I don't really care about library fines - if I need to keep a book longer, I just keep it and pay my fine when it gets up to $10.00. Just another way of supporting my public library. :lol:

Hee, that's the way I think, too!

I love my library, for so many reasons... Not just for the books! Although lately I've been buying a little more often, just because of my Kindle.

squigglycurls · 04-06-2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiralli

I'm gonna say borrow (not from library thought because I can't handle the pressure of due dates and renewals). My borrowing is in the form of swapping through one of the online book swapping sites. I haven't purchased a book in about 2 years since doing this, and I get to have (and hold onto, until I can get around to reading it) almost any book I would have purchased otherwise. Swapping is sort of the best of both worlds, IMO.

Very cool! I will have to look into this swapping thing.

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kat180 · 04-07-2011, 04:01 AM

Hmmm Im sorry but yes the Kindle is light enough, but when you have it in it's cover to protect it it becomes heavy imo. I wouldn't want to carry it around.

Great for some people - not for me. I just love the whole experience of reading a book. The smell, the texture of the paper, turning the pages. Kindles are almost too clinical.

kat180 · 04-07-2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlywho

On some random message board someone said something like "How would you like it if you worked really hard on something, got it published, and then people just traded your work around the rest of your life"

I don't agree with that statement (not directed at you - I know you are quoting someone). Authors want their work to be read by as many people as possible. Stories and books are there for everyone to read. Surely it must feel great for people to love your work so much that they need/want to share it with others?

Despite not using the library as much as I should - Im always lending books out to trusted friends. I can't imagine books only being available for those privileged enough to afford them. That just seems inherently wrong to me. Like the burning of books.

curlywho · 04-07-2011, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kat180

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlywho

On some random message board someone said something like "How would you like it if you worked really hard on something, got it published, and then people just traded your work around the rest of your life"

I don't agree with that statement (not directed at you - I know you are quoting someone). Authors want their work to be read by as many people as possible. Stories and books are there for everyone to read. Surely it must feel great for people to love your work so much that they need/want to share it with others?

Despite not using the library as much as I should - Im always lending books out to trusted friends. I can't imagine books only being available for those privileged enough to afford them. That just seems inherently wrong to me. Like the burning of books.

I can definitely see that side of it too. That's why it's something I only hold myself to. I've never even told anyone else I feel that way about it.