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?
Our public library is very inviting – it’s walkable in good weather, has a big bright children’s room, a separate “teen/young adult” corner, beautiful artwork on display, educational programs for all ages, etc. It is a pleasure to walk through the doors and spend time there.
We usually visit library twice a week, a regular story-time for my preschooler on Thursdays, then a weekend visit with all the kids going in order to return books and select new ones. We make use of the inter-library loan system to request books that aren’t at our branch. I tend to borrow books that are “how to”s or other references.
Yet despite our frequent trips to the library, we have hundreds of books on the shelves in our home; some received as gifts, but most purchased (by me, I’ll admit). A book is a gift I give myself, and a gift that I’m willing to share with others who might enjoy it; my friends typically take good care of borrowed books, so I’m happy to loan them out. Many of the books I read are new releases, and I don’t have the patience to wait for them to be available in the library system.
Yes, there is a cost to buying a book, but I consider most books a small investment with a big return. I don’t have a lot of other indulgences (I don’t like to go to the mall, I rarely go out for coffee or drinks with friends, I actually use coupons and stock up on sale items at the grocery store!); books are my vice.
To read more answers to this question, visit the Booking Through Thursday blog. Why do you buy books?
I’ve found that I don’t have the patience to wait for books, either. Also, when I put books on hold at the library, they never seem to come at a time that’s convenient for me.
You’re doing a good job with your preschooler. How do I know? You take him/her to the library on a regular basis and you have books in the home. You are giving your child the gift of the love of reading. Here’s my answer: http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/
Well I don’t buy too many books but I still agree that books are my vice. I don’t buy clothes or music or anything else.
“A book is a gift I give myself…” I feel exactly the same way
Great answer!
“Books are my vice” – I totally agree!
Good answer.
But I’m envious of your library!
I think as far as vices go….books are a good one to have!
Books are my vice too. I dont indulge in much else either, but I love books! I think it’s great that you own a lot of books but also take the kids to the library.
I would rather give up coke, chocolates and such like and buy books!!
Must buy!
Books are definitely my vice. Why buy? First of all, I move a lot. College, parent’s moves, my new job, my military sig. oth. = a lot of moving. So I never know whether my new library will have my old favorite comfort reads. Books that I own are always available – at three in the morning. Right after a bad day when I’m too tired to go anywhere. Plus being surrounded by books makes me happy.
I love to curl up with chocolate and tea and a book. Things sometimes get messy. Especially if it’s an old comfort read. But I (obviously) don’t want to even risk staining up a book that’s not mine.
Plus you can’t get library books signed
“A book is a gift I give myself…”
I love that!
I’m the same Dawn, I don’t have a lot of other indulgences besides buying books. Also I love the smell and feel of a new book. I do use the library though and certainly will be in the New Year with the Library challenge. lol.
they’re my vice too- waddayagonnado?
Thanks to all who commented on my BTT post this week – I have a lot of “kindred spirits” out there! yes, we are very fortunate to have an active/well-stocked library easily accessible to us … and several great bookstores with wonderfully helpful booksellers!
Okay, now I feel guilty, because I buy books AND love to shop AND go out for drinks with my friends
But I completely agree that books (and music, for that matter!) are a small investment for a huge return!