Libraries, Library Holds, and TBR Lists

[Daran]

For about the last year I've had a policy regarding books I want to read. That policy is, if the book is available from my library within the next month, I will check it out rather than buy it. It started out as a cost cutting measure, but had am unintended consequence. Because I have the book only for a short time, and other people have usually requested it as well, I read it much faster. Generally in about three days.

Because of this my "To Be Read" list has gotten much shorter. In fact, for the first time since high school, I'm not only keeping up with new publications, but I'm reading books I jotted down years ago (which, because of their age, are easy to get from the Library).

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? To what extent people here use their libraries, and if they read those books faster?

[Marz]

I always use my library. With S&L picks, if I will generally only buy if my library doesn't have it and it looks like something I would really like. And I do have a tendency to read fast, but since I have always used my library, I haven't noticed any correlation.

[Kristina]

I use my library all the time. I've even cross referenced my "to read" list with the 2 libraries close to my house and the ohio ebook project so I know which books are where when I'm ready to go looking for them. I don't tend to jump on the latest, so renewing isn't usually a problem unless I get a book from the ebook thing. Those must be done in 2 weeks because there is always a waiting list and I will make reading a priority for the time I have a book borrowed-or break down and buy it. I had to purchase Game of Thrones for that reason-there was no getting those books done short of taking a couple days off from work. Though I'm glad I own them now, so it worked out.

[Kev]

I <3 my local library. I can request stuff on their website if it's checked out for them to hold for me, and even deliver to a closer branch of the library. If they don't have something, I can recommend it as a purchase and they'll often get it and automatically put it on hold for me. Libraries are a fantastic resource!

[Kme_17]

I always try the library first . Free is always best :)

[Micah]

libraries are great. I try to take my daughters once every 2-3 weeks or so.

[Tyler]

I work at one of our local library branches and try and promote S&L via shelf advertisements. I even make it easy and put the book S&L is reading by the sign. Alas, no bites... :(

[Louie]

I am in this exact situation right now. I just got a copy of Cloud Atlas from my local library last week. And since it is due back in three weeks with out a possibility of renewing it (since there is a high demand as of late) I'll finish it pretty quick, as per usual for me. Although, some of the titles that aren't on hold by others I do take my time with them.

I've been going to the library a lot lately, though. In fact all but 2 of the books I've read this year have come from my library. But this hasn't decreased the length of my TBR list. If anything it's gotten longer, just due to the fact that not all of the books in my TBR list was available at my library. And there were many more NEW titles that ARE available at the library that have been added to an ever-increasing TBR list.

[Mel (booksandsundry)]

I love my library for exactly this reason. It's so good to be able borrow if you're not sure you'll like a book and keep down costs from being part of book groups. I wish I'd been able to borrow Cloud Atlas, I'm not sure why but they didn't even have a copy.

[Nicole]

The library is great. It is my private sanctuary to help me to get away from the world. Since listening and watching this show I have exploring different horizons. I never really gone to the adult science fiction and fantasy in the library but now I go in there everytime I go to the library.

[Kevin]

The library is great. It is where I buy most of my books from. My local library has a sale at the end of every month. I pick up a lot of great books up from there for a really cheap price.

[Lorie]

I work at a library so I don't have any money to buy books. :-) I joke but its kind of true. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. <3

There must be a few S & L members in my town because a lot of the books we have read are checked out when I look for them. I was lucky to grab the Cloud Atlas audiobook before everyone caught on. Our librarians are pretty good about buying extra books when a movie is coming out. We also have a used bookstore where we sell extra copies for 25 cents.

Tyler: You should make your shelf a Goodreads shelf and try to get more people to join a group of their choice. I might have to whisper in someone's ear at work. Great idea!

[Rob, Roberator]

I love the library (as the son of a Librarian, I had better), but I rarely use it. I generally only borrow audiobooks a few times a year when I drive 6+ hours (each way) to go visit family.

I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to purchase just about every book I read. I like to try to support the authors I read, especially since there are many people who can't always afford to.

I tend to try to loan my books out to friends and co-workers as well. In fact one of my friend's wife is going to be borrowing Assassin's Apprentice from me because he listened to it after I read it for club and now she wants to read it.

[Bryek]

I never use the library now. at first it was because after moving I needed a piece of mail with my address on it and I never had one (all my mail is by email) and after that I just always bought my books. I've become addicted to owning them. This way I can lend them out to people and force them to read it! can't make people read a book you don't own ;)
I also tend to read many books at once as well as working in the bush for many weeks at a time. I also hate it when my books look like a pokadot monster mauled it (all the colourful dots libraries put on the pages of the books on the top of the book), it feels sacrilegious hehe.

[A.L.]

I live a bit too far away and the one on the way to work shuts at times. I read what I am in the mood to read.

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

I'm the assistant director of an academic library, and I make heavy use of interlibrary loan. Most of the time they are tracking down brand new or upcoming books that I found on award nomination lists, and I've had books come in a far away as Amsterdam!

Every once in a while, I go through and hunt down the first ten books on my to-read list through the libraries available to me, and speed date them. If I like them, I keep and try to read by the due date, if not, I delete from my list and return the book.

[Melanie]

I go through 2 different public libraries, an academic library (where I work), and if none of them have what I am looking for, Inter-library Loan (a small piece of my work, actually, so I process my own requests).

Actually, the best resource for me is Worldcat.org - there is a link for it on each book page, and worldcat keeps track of where you are (by IP addresses, I think), and shows you the closest libraries that have the book you are looking for. Since mine is connected to the university I work for, it will auto-fill ILL requests if none of my libraries have it.

Though this hasn't really helped keep my to read list down - I just keep finding more books that I want!

[Tina]

I use the library more than ever since getting an iPad and iPhone. I love Overdrive! I read more books now than I did in print, and I also use audiobooks regularly.

[Kathryn]

I love libraries. I go and load up a bag with 6 or 7 books to last me 2-3 weeks and devour them all before they're due back. It hasn't helped me get my list shorter... but instead has made it longer! But I've picked up many books I never would have in a book store because they're free.

[Daran]

I think what helped me is that I no longer browse at the library. I go in, get what I have on hold, and leave.

[Thurman]

I didn't know the library was so enjoyable and had so many up to date books. When I was a kid I spent at least 1 day a week in the library. I was a fast reader and usually could finish any book in that time.

I haven't been to a library in about 3 years. I'm ashamed cause the library is like 6 blocks away, Maybe I should going and browse.

[terpkristin]

I feel horrible saying it, but I haven't patronized a library since I was in college. In college, I lived in the library, both for research and for fun. I buy everything, either via subscriptions (e.g. Audible), Kindle/Amazon, or going to B&N (or a local bookstore if I can find one).

[Joe Informatico]

I'm a collection development librarian for a public library, and I use the hell out of my employer. But I'm also a local taxpayer, so I'm a customer too. I've had the opposite experience of the OP though--my "to-read" pile has gotten bigger and bigger since I started my professional career, and sadly sometimes the books I own sit gathering dust while I try to get through the library titles before they're due. Now that I've finally seen the light (of the backlit screen) and started reading ebooks, it's only gotten worse...

[AndrewP]

For years I did not use the library as my local one is several miles away and a hassle to get to on working days. But now I am on long term consulting assignment right next door to the library in a different city. I am working my way through their audiobooks that are on my 'to read' list.

[library_jim]

You guys are warming the heart of an elementary school librarian! Ironically, I don't love getting books from the library. Usually too old and stinky for me. I generally try to get a book on audio at the library first, then check if it's available on my Kindle next, then will get the library book if that's the only way it comes. If my library doesn't have the audio or the book and it's not available on the Kindle, I'll buy the actual book (like I did for Tigana).

I'm too cheap for an audible account and afford Kindle books by asking only for Amazon gift certificates for holidays and birthdays and such.

I am always, however, promoting the public library to my students and have a good relationship with our local public librarians.

[Trike]

The library is both the main supplier for my addiction and my rehab. My to-read *pile* is different from my to-read *list*, as the former is owned books while the latter is kept by the library (with gaps filled in by Amazon). Both are huge, but the list is huger.

"Hmm, looks interesting. Add to list."

[Dazerla]

terpkristin wrote: "I feel horrible saying it, but I haven't patronized a library since I was in college. In college, I lived in the library, both for research and for fun. I buy everything, either via subscriptions (..."


I was the same way u til I discovered that my libary had a really good ebook collection a lot of which is on kindle.

[Deborah]

I've always used the library. One of the most useful things about goodreads is being able to organize my to read list by source. I have separate shelves for each library I have access to.

[Erica]

Joe wrote: "I'm a collection development librarian for a public library, and I use the hell out of my employer. But I'm also a local taxpayer, so I'm a customer too. I've had the opposite experience of the OP ..."

I'm the same way, you just discover so many great books working in a library! My to be read list grows far faster than my read list. Combine this with the fact that I used to work part time in a local indie bookstore with an awesome employee discount and I have a whole book case of books I own that are waiting to be read!

[Celine]

My time's been split pretty evenly between home, school, and the library this year. It's got 99% of the books I want to read, and it's also a really great place to do homework because I get distracted really easily at home. I feel bad if I go off-track when I'm using a library computer so I can get more stuff done.

I still buy a lot of books, though. Mostly new releases or books that I won't be seeing for a year or more if I go through the library, though, and used books.

[Don]

I mostly use the library for audio books now because I have so many unread books on my shelves and in Amazon. When I do get a print book from the library now it is usually history or tech. Mostly my selections are available only through inter-library loans, which is a fabulous resource, but precludes random finds. Inter-library loans does make a mediocre library waaaaaayyy better.

[Paul]

Another thumbs up to the libraries from me,
Also librarians who tend to be very nice, helpful people.

Our libraries are under threat because of spending cuts. Some have apparently been forced to be staffed entirely by volunteers to remain open :(

So please support your libraries.

[Emy]

I work in an academic library - FE level so we have some fiction, but generally very little 'adult' fiction. It's still great for finding those older YA books I've always meant to read but never got around to... I wish I could get to our local library more often, but the main branch is about 1-2 hours bus ride from work, and since I do closes I don't leave there until 7-8pm... This means I don't go half as much as I would like to! I wish the branch library 10 minutes from my house actually had hours useful to someone who works!

Using the library, though, is a financial godsend - I read fiction fast, always have done, and borrowing the books makes my addiction less likely to send me to the debt collectors! ;)

For me the difference is whether the book is fiction or non-fiction. Fiction I usually read once except for a few rare authors, so I prefer to borrow it. Non-fiction is a dip in, read a bit, read it again later, relationship, so I like to own those. I just wish Non-Fic was cheaper... :P

[Jeff]

Libraries have been a big part of my life. I went to our local library with my father every week during my childhood and it was like a sanctuary to me. I worked in that same library as a page in high school till I went to college. I have patronized various libraries my entire life and will continue to do so.

The only negative I can think of is that with todays connected society I don't browse the shelves much. Usually I hear about a book on Goodreads, S and L or some other source and then simply put it on hold via there website. Maybe I am missing some great discoveries doing this? I am definitely more "locked in" to SF than in the past.

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

Maybe we just have new ways of browsing now. The genre lists on some sites, award lists, the books people are reading lists.....

[aldenoneil]

Jenny wrote: "Maybe we just have new ways of browsing now. The genre lists on some sites, award lists, the books people are reading lists....."

That's interesting. You really can't judge a book by its cover anymore, because you rarely see them.

[Jim]

As the old saying goes, my wife is a librarian and I am enjoying this thread immensely. As a poor person, I am at the mercy of the Local Library here in Kansas for my sword and laser books. The main reason I don't post on the forums very often, because I just got the novel. Or I get it after the wrap up. I'm off to dump CA back in the returns bin today, in fact.

[Kathryn]

aldenoneil wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Maybe we just have new ways of browsing now. The genre lists on some sites, award lists, the books people are reading lists....."

That's interesting. You really can't judge a book by..."

I'm terrible... I pick up many books based on their covers and I pick my wine by the picture on the label and both have a surprisingly good success rate. :-P

[Jim]

I always wanted to try the stuff with the kangaroo on it. Is that wine any good?

[Pamela]

I too am a patron of the public library. I hadn't been going as regularly in the last couple of years, because I was busy with grad school and I am not the best with returning books on time. My library recently got on the eBook bandwagon, however, and everything has changed. I love it that I can check out books at 1AM after watching a Sword and Laser episode (I loved Gail Carriger and decided I needed to read Soulless right then). Plus, I love that there are never any late fees. The book magically checks itself back into the library. :)

[Kev]

I'm moving next weekend, to a subdivision anchored by a branch of my public library. My family will be able to walk to the library!

The first year my wife and I were married, we lived in walking distance of a branch of our local library. Loved being that close to a library, and looking forward to it again.