Saving a "species" from "extinction"

[Joseph]

The other day I was in my favorite used book store when another shopper noticed the pile of old but still readable books I had, took a look at her pile of books, pretty much just as old and just as big, and she commented that it was like we were saving a species from extinction. I'd never thought about it that way before, but it is kind of a nice way to look at it. So many of those used books might just end up in the trash or maybe recycled, never to be read again, if someone like us didn't buy them.

[Karen M]

I love used books especially when people leave a note in the margin or a comment on the flyleaf. One of my favorite discoveries was on the title page: "Mom, you'll enjoy this. Love, Carol" followed by "Terry you'll love this one. Barbara" It makes me smile just thinking about.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I love looking through used bookstores and discovering treats. I went to two this week - well, they were thrift stores with book sections anyway - but found some excellent surprises. I love old books and finding momentos in them as well

[Melissa]

I love going through old books. Most of my book buying is done at flea markets and thrift stores.

[Ian]

I agree! Whilst I love the newer editions, there is something about the history of even the humble used trade paperback. I like searching for the ones which have dedications, or postcards for bookmarks, they tell a story in themselves about the different lives they've touched along the way.

Ian @ CollectibleCat.com
The Open Catalog of Collectible Books

[Thom]

I think that a catalog of collectible books wouldn't really interest me as in my opinion all books are collectible. I save books for their literary value and not as a future pecuniary investment. I would no more considering selling my books than I would my children or our family pet. When I take a book home it is pretty much a one way street; once I have them, I keep them.

[[deleted user]]

Trash or recycled what a terrible thought. As long as they are well treated a used book is just as enjoyable as new.

[sonya]

I usedd to get a lot of my books from the used book rack at the library

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

In a used book I got this week, I found someone had used some kind of bar slip as a bookmark saying don't touch my drink, gone to pee lol

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Of course, finding a band aide in used book one time wasn't cool....

[Joseph]

Erin (Paperback Stash) wrote: "Of course, finding a band aide in used book one time wasn't cool...."

You think those are bad bookmarks? How about a cooked piece of bacon or a banana peel? ugh.

[Paulfozz]

You actually found a piece of bacon in a book?! Wow… something to read AND a snack! ;-)

[Melissa]

I used to leave money in my books because my ex didn't read so I knew I'd always have spare cash. I'm sure there are some people who have gotten some of my old books who found a nice tip in them!

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ]

I picked up a Reader's Digest Condensed Book at a thrift shop one time a couple years back for a dime. When I got home, I found a crisp 1960's printing $20 bill inside someone had used as a bookmark. :)

It had occurred to me that by the time someone, or a family member, gave the book to the thrift shop, it was sorted and shelved, etc. how many hands that book went through without anyone realizing what surprise lay within it!

[Mary]

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "I picked up a Reader's Digest Condensed Book at a thrift shop one time a couple years back for a dime. When I got home, I found a crisp 1960's printing $20 bill inside someone had used as a bookmar..."

Maybe it was Melissa's $20. ;-)

[TJ]

I've had people tell me to get a kindle and do ebooks but there's something special about hold a real book.

[J.J.]

You can do as me: buy both. Then, you can read for greater comfort on the kindle and you can keep the physical version in your bookshelves without damaging them due to use

[Paulfozz]

Tammy wrote: "I've had people tell me to get a kindle and do ebooks but there's something special about hold a real book."

My advice would be don't do it - save your money for real books. You can buy a LOT of books from charity shops for the price of an ereader.

[Thom]

I have both books and an e-reader. Through unconscious natural tendencies, I find myself manually turning paper pages and leaving my mutant cyber-book on the shelf. I have to admit that I love the feel, smell and weight of a traditional book (paper or hardback). I know I will eventually have to surrender and go with the times but, for now, I plan to enjoy the thousand-plus unread books in my library

[Michelle]

E-readers may be convenient, but I don't take pleasure in convenience. I DO take pleasure in the smell and heft of a real book. I like turning pages and fancy bookmarks. E-readers may replace physical books one day, but they'll never replace that awesome feeling that goes with holding a paper book in my hands.

[Virginia]

I was bought an ereader a couple of years ago but I've never had time to use it. I work in a charity shop six days a week and come home with so many books they'll take me a lifetime to read.

I get the 'saving a species' feeling when I take home books that have a lot of notes written in them and we can't sell. Plus it helps me read more classics!