After moving last year and having to deal with about a dozen boxes of books (about 30 years worth), I resolved to read books from the library. I find the library very accommodating with their 'suggest a book ' feature on the web site. They usually will get a book they don't already have. Sometimes, though, two weeks on a new release is not enough time to finish a big book! I've bought only six or so books since I moved. I have to admit I do like to buy books, I just don't like to store (or move) them.
2007-08-23 04:41:21 · 15 answers · asked by spamfish60 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I just went through what you mentioned. I also had 12-14 boxes of books that I've collected for the past 25 - 30 years. But the thing that made it all ok was that if there is any of those books I want to reread, I can without leaving home. I have reread many of the books I have kept. If the book is lousy I give it to a Library.
2007-08-23 04:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by Oz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer to own the books I read. That way I'm not worried about losing the book, accidentally damaging it, or forgetting to return it on time (in which case I usually end up paying late-fines close to what I would have paid for the book anyway). Borrowing books from the library just isn't worth the headache.
The only time I prefer the library is if I'm looking for an older book. Bookstores neglect to carry a lot of great titles simply because those titles are older and less popular.
2007-08-23 04:48:47 · answer #2 · answered by Ben 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buying books is a great way to support literature, authors, the arts in general - and since it is such a struggling part of our culture, I would encourage you to continue to buy books. They are a pain to move and store, though.
I think the suggestion to donate to libraries, schools, hospitals and nursing homes is a great idea. Also - books make great gifts! If you read a book and you think a friend would like it - give it as a gift. Just keep the books you absolutely love and couldn't part with.
There is *nothing* wrong with giving an already-read book as a gift. Think of it as literary recycling.
Green reading!
2007-08-23 06:05:13 · answer #3 · answered by Ladypug 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a library of over 2000 books so I know where you are coming from. These days I'm very choosy what I buy and they are almost all reference books for a specific project. I'm gradually getting all my classics on CD-ROM and getting rid of the hard copies because I have the best ebook reader that I can carry with me.
I've also decided which series I like best by each author and those I keep. The others are being weeded out (sold on Amazon or Ebay).
Yes, I check out books from the library whenever possible, using interlibrary loan if I must.
2007-08-23 04:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't buy books as I finish them too quickly. Also I only like reading books once. I will buy books if they are really cheap though! I go to the library and I borrow a whole heap at a time!
2007-08-24 02:36:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem. I found a used book store where you buy at a discount and can bring them back and get a credit towards the new books.I never can read the books fast enough. Look in the telephone book and look under books and then used and you should be able to find one. I know in my area there are several.
2007-08-23 04:57:17 · answer #6 · answered by lonepinesusan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the past couple of years I've donated approx 400 books to our local (not supported by the government) library. They have books sales on a regular basis to raise money.
The books I donated have largely been hardback novels, and many found their way to the bookshelves rather than the sales, but paperbacks are sold. I also attend the sales.
When I had a bunch of paperbacks recently, I gave them to a group that sends packages to soldiers in the far east.
You can also give them to hospitals, retirement homes, children's hospitals, (and I recently read the suggestion) prisons.
2007-08-23 04:49:28 · answer #7 · answered by Wanda K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I purchase books that I want to read - if the book is one that I am reading for a class, often I will get that from the library.
2007-08-23 05:18:22 · answer #8 · answered by The Corinthian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually buy books because my library hasn't gotten any new books for the last 2 years
2007-08-23 04:58:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes buy books but I always borrow books from the school library. And also I read books from my friends.
2007-08-23 04:53:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋