Making Connections discussion
ARCHIVES
>
Library vs. Owning Books
message 1:
by
Rodrigo25
(new)
Jul 18, 2014 01:12PM
In mi opinion there's nothing better than owning a book, you have it there in your bookshelf and it makes your room prettier. When I was younger, I used to borrow them from the library because I think that I enjoyed going to the library or something, I don't know. But now I can afford to buy as many books as I want though I try to control myself.
reply
|
flag
It depends on the book.If it's something I really want, for whatever (owning the whole collection; pretty cover with good-quality paper; special illustrated edition; etc.), buying the book is definitely the way to go.
But if it's a book I kinda want to read without being really interested in it, then library it is. (This would include, for instance, books that are The Hype, so I want to read them to understand why people are raving about them... but I'm not too convinced I'll actually like them.)
When I was younger I used to use the library lots but that was before the Internet took off.These days I only buy stuff for Kindle.
Library still serves a purpose for plenty of people though.
I like owning my books. Depending on the book I may re-read it later on. Sometimes when I have an interest in a new author I may check out the style of writing by checking something out that the person wrote, then buy or not buy depending on whether or not I care for it.
Most of the books I read are borrowed from the library; however, if certain that I will want to read a book more than once, share it with family members, or if it is the first of a series, I will buy it.Currently, 101 hard-cover and paperback books (32 non-fiction & 69 novels) and 9 audio books on CD (1 non-fiction & 8 novels) reside upon the shelves in my den.
I'm definitely a buyer. My office is lined with over 1,000 hardcover books and I've read every one of them. There is also a stack on the table of nine books I haven't read yet. If I ever run out of new reads, I browse my shelves to locate a book that I can re-read and enjoy again. I also love the experience of the second-hand bookstore and would spend hours there if I could. I just love the feel, smell and mystery of real books.
I have books on my Kindle, but it's not the same. Library's were great when I was young, but once I could buy - I did just that.
I tend to notice that if I want to read a newer book, I will buy it. If I want to read a book in general or an old book I will go to the library.
Phoenix, I agree with you in that both are good ideas.
Unless it's part of a series I've enjoyed, I borrow it and read it first, then if I like it, I'll buy it from Amazon. I like the iBooks software better, but Amazon is nicer about letting me share a book I've bought with others in my household.
Given the cost of some books and my appetite for reading, the library still plays a role in helping me choose which books I add to my collection.
I always enjoyed borrowing books from the library. When the internet and e-books really took off, it made it really easy to buy books. I have a shelf of books that I bought at bookstores that are "re-reads"...I would be happy to sit in a corner and re-read them at a later time. I think that in the end it depends on the price point. If you are not sure, borrow it...if you are familiar with a particular author and confidant...buy it. It is whatever your personal situation calls for. :)
I forgot to mention this from my first point. If you really like a book, like you love it and you've read it dozens of times, chances are you should just buy it rather then check it out at the library over and over. I would also say that checking out a book at the library should serve as a sample to reading a book. If you enjoyed it you don't have to buy it but if you checked it out and then loved it, then you should go out and buy a copy tohave for your very own.
I prefer owning my books - that way I can read them when I want to read them without a deadline. I have borrowed plenty of books from the library and have never had a problem with finishing them before they were due back but I still would rather own.
I haven't been to a library since my school days (a long time ago). Mostly now I buy on kindle.I prefer to own my books, especially ones that I know I will re read.
I honestly can say that I have not checked a book out of the library in probably 25-30 years >.< (yes - showing my age LOL) I would rather own a book so if I want to re-read it (and I do almost always re-read everything I read) I don't have to worry about finding it or someone else having it already checked out. I also love how my multiple bookshelves look all full of books :)
That's the problem with books, they take up so much room, but I still love them
I love books and collect them. Modern ones signed by the author, old ones that are about Sardinia. I love them for themselves, but I also love a room lined with books. I also love looking at other peoples books, you learn a lot about someone and the books they keep or read. Also the smell of a new edition, especially when it's one you have written, is wonderful.
I'm probably a contrarian here. For many years I maintained a fairly extensive library of books. Then one morning over a cup of coffee I realized that I had become their jailer. All those books on all those shelves could be read by other people instead of contributing to my sense of possession. The next day I donated almost my entire collection to a local library. Now I read as much as I did before but I'm not a jailer maintaining cell after cell full of prisoners wasting away. Knowledge and the experience of reading should be shared. It now seems obscene to me to keep a book when the implication of keeping it means that yet another tree will fall, yet another stream will be polluted by the environmentally filthy process of manufacturing books and yet another person will find it necessary to dip into their pockets in order to afford the experience of reading.
Well said Ian.Have been thinking for a while now giving some of my books away. Some will remain in jail!
I like to own the books I love. For my book club, if I know that we're reading a book in a genre I don't generally read (or like), or by a new author, I may check it out at the library rather than buy it. But if it turns out I love it, I'll go buy it to have my own copy. I tend to also re-read my favorites, so I want to have them on my shelves.
I think the thing that is most important is: that you read. Books, newspapers, blogs, back of the cereal packet, no matter what.The next thing is to support the writer by whatever method suits you best. In the UK, if you borrow a book from a library, the author gets money (ok about 6pence) per lend. Buy new from a bookstore - I dont think authors get paid when you buy a used book. Some people cant afford even second hand books and some dont have the space to keep hold of them.
Talk about books. Write about them if you can. Lend them or give them out (using Bookcrossing or bookmooch etc). Donate to charities.
I dont think it should be one or the other - both are valid
Ian wrote: "I'm probably a contrarian here. For many years I maintained a fairly extensive library of books. Then one morning over a cup of coffee I realized that I had become their jailer. All those books on ..."I agree with your sentiments. Kindle also helps the environment.
retired librarian
I found some of my favorite books of the year by picking up random stuff in the library. Our librarians make fantastic choices! But I also buy a lot on Kindle. I'm not really into owning stuff: small house, lots of travel. Most of the paper books I buy will probably get passed on to someone else soon after I finish them.
Personally, I have never particularly liked checking out books from the library: firstly, because sometimes you'll get the one book you want, though it's been demolished and beaten by the previous user and you wallow as you wonder how any could treat a book in such a way; and secondly, I don't like giving good books back.
Still, I've always been a book owner, I've never been a book borrower. I've always lived close enough to one store or another with enough change in my pocket to buy one or two books (if I'm lucky) from the store and so my massive collection began (I only jsut downsized in a very big way, pulled off at least 5 series from my shelf to make room for better books). Plus, I like to see my books accumulate; it's almost like being some old wizard with a bunch of spell books and having that feeling of, "Yep, I can reference that," of course, I don't flash my books in a pretentious manner, in fact, I don't flash them at all because 0.0.0% of the people I know a) care about reading and b) books. What is more, I myself, though, have become something of my own library, as when someone does need or happen to want a book: "Hey have you got [insert that new/classic book here]?" and I'll say "Yeah, of course I do,"
This of course leads to me becoming some kind of worried parent, fearsome of when their child is going to come back to them in what condition, as I'm the kind of person who will try and take whatever extremes necessary to restore a book if it gets damaged (I have a 5 year old version of a horribly beaten Lost Hero that has tape, paint, and glue holding it together, and I even 'stole' a cover from a friend who happened to have the book in it's new form since at one point, I thought book covers were stupid and I now have a series of naked books, for the most part at least, I've learned the value of a cover from my younger years).
Even so, I won't say that libraries don't have their uses, as I discovered some of my favorite books there when I couldn't get a hold of them, specifically some of my favorite Stephen King books, and even more specifically Under the Dome which I found one day at the library and ended up loving it so much that I had to buy it just so I would never have to give it back, which goes back to my first point. '
All in all, I prefer owning my books over the library, simply based on my history and association with buying books and not so much the library.
Still, I've always been a book owner, I've never been a book borrower. I've always lived close enough to one store or another with enough change in my pocket to buy one or two books (if I'm lucky) from the store and so my massive collection began (I only jsut downsized in a very big way, pulled off at least 5 series from my shelf to make room for better books). Plus, I like to see my books accumulate; it's almost like being some old wizard with a bunch of spell books and having that feeling of, "Yep, I can reference that," of course, I don't flash my books in a pretentious manner, in fact, I don't flash them at all because 0.0.0% of the people I know a) care about reading and b) books. What is more, I myself, though, have become something of my own library, as when someone does need or happen to want a book: "Hey have you got [insert that new/classic book here]?" and I'll say "Yeah, of course I do,"
This of course leads to me becoming some kind of worried parent, fearsome of when their child is going to come back to them in what condition, as I'm the kind of person who will try and take whatever extremes necessary to restore a book if it gets damaged (I have a 5 year old version of a horribly beaten Lost Hero that has tape, paint, and glue holding it together, and I even 'stole' a cover from a friend who happened to have the book in it's new form since at one point, I thought book covers were stupid and I now have a series of naked books, for the most part at least, I've learned the value of a cover from my younger years).
Even so, I won't say that libraries don't have their uses, as I discovered some of my favorite books there when I couldn't get a hold of them, specifically some of my favorite Stephen King books, and even more specifically Under the Dome which I found one day at the library and ended up loving it so much that I had to buy it just so I would never have to give it back, which goes back to my first point. '
All in all, I prefer owning my books over the library, simply based on my history and association with buying books and not so much the library.
I am a reader and also an author, and I think both ways are fine.
It always depends on how much you like the book.
You can borrow it first, then buy it if you like it very much :)
It always depends on how much you like the book.
You can borrow it first, then buy it if you like it very much :)
I am a hopeless book purchaser, although I do borrow books from library on a regular basis
I prefer owning books, but I switched to ebooks do to lack of space and they're cheaper. I've had a library card my whole life, so I've borrowed my fair share of books. The main issue for me was that I found stains and disgusting things like boogers in them and it has withheld me from finishing quite a few books. Also there's a time limit and sometimes I barely have time to read anything nog uni-related and I hate returning books I haven't finished.Also, I'm European but I switched to reading mainly English books because I enjoy them more, but they only have a small selection of English books and I could never find the books I wanted to read.
It use to be I was always in the library and borrowing books. These days I work away too much and don't get time to go to the library. I tend to just buy books now, which is dangerously easy since I got an e-reader (though it hasn't stopped my bookcase overflowing quite as much as I hoped it would).
I'm a big fan of both. I tend to collect the classics, but I also love to walk into a library and leave with a bag full of random works I wouldn't ordinarily consider purchasing. If I enjoy the book, I'll then go and buy a copy.
I love the library, however I feel sad when I return the books. I feel like I'm leaving them behind. I prefer owning my books. That way I know they are loved and cared for. A little weird right? :)
Doseofbella wrote: "I love the library, however I feel sad when I return the books. I feel like I'm leaving them behind. I prefer owning my books. That way I know they are loved and cared for. A little weird right? :)"That's totally understandable. Reading is very personal, and forces you to invest time and, potentially, emotion!
Best thing about libraries is that you have access to more books than you can possibly buy. But I always forget to return them on time, which leads to more stress, plus you have to take extra special care 'cause the book isn't yours.
I feel like, I buy books when I can, but will borrow them when I can't afford to buy a book I want to read at the moment. I often want to read more books than I can afford to buy. :)
I own - and keep- books that are very important to me, for whatever reason. I may buy other books and then either sell them back, donate them or trade them (otherwise I might end up on a tv show like Hoarders!). The library is not the most convenient option, and if I want something new right away, I am often disappointed. I do purchase a lot on my Kindle now also.
I love to own books, but most of what I buy is second hand. I love it when they arrive in the mail, or when I pick them up (rescue) them from a charity shop. However, if a book is too expensive to own I turn to the library. I find library books to be a bit stressful. First I have to find it in their systems, then I have to order it (the one I want is never in my local library), then I have to wait my turn, then I have to run to pick it up in the time frame when it arrives and then I have to read it in a set time. The whole process is obviously worth it for whatever book I'm after, I just wish it was easier.
I do both but use the library more often.
I love owning books, but I would have to rent a storage unit if I bought and kept all the books I've read. I buy my favorite books to keep on a bookshelf over my desk, as well as any book I think I may want to write notes in. Otherwise, I borrow from the library.
Honestly, I think it depends on what you prefer. I love owning books, but I know some people who enjoy going to the library and checking a book out for the novelty of it. My suggestion is to do both. Check out a book from the library, and if it's something you love, buy it.
I used to be solidly in the "own" category, as well as in the paper only group (ever dwindling, like the group that will only use typewriters). However, it became impossible to maintain my good-standing as an "owner" once I had kids and my discretionary income considerably shrunk. If I was reduced to having to read only the books I could afford to buy now, I would go frickin' loony without my primary stress reliever.I also find that the library is a great trip for the kids, to introduce them to all the variety and range that a library offers. They love to go to the kids' section and look at all the new (to them) books and pick a few to take home.
Now the library also offers ebooks, it is amazingly easy to constantly have new material to read (it's the worst when you turn the last page and realize you have nothing new on hand to start) and I don't have to worry about late fees.
I have vastly expanded my personal collection by checking books out of the public library under a false name and keeping them. I now have 456,718 books but no place to sleep.John Rachel
http://jdrachel.com/books/
It depends on the book. In my case when I borrow a book from my library and I really like it, i almost don't want to return it and sometimes I end up buying it after returning it. Some stories need to be on my shelves.
Definitely owning for me. Probably because I develop a connection with the book I am reading -- and the chances of me giving it back if I like it are slim to nil :)
When it comes to fiction definitely owning. Doesn't mean that they should keep shutting down our libraries over here in the UK, though :/
I find that I'm using the library more and more, now that I can easily request books and have them placed on a "pick up" shelf. I can be in and out of the library in 2 minutes, with a stack of books for free. :)
I think a combination of both options is fine. I did a book signing at my local library and had the opportunity to meet a lot of different people. One thing I noticed, was that some people wanted to talk with me, but felt awkward because they could not afford to buy the book at that time. As soon as I sensed this, I let people know that the book was available in the library, and that I was more interested in people reading it, than selling merchandise. My feeling is that getting the word out and building a long-term fan base is more important than short term sales.
Darin wrote: "I think a combination of both options is fine. I did a book signing at my local library and had the opportunity to meet a lot of different people. One thing I noticed, was that some people wanted t..."This is a great attitude! So glad to hear it.
I have a slightly biased view on libraries. If it hadn't been for my local one I would never have discovered all the different authors and genres that I love, when I was a teenager. My library had the lending limit of 16 books a week. I hit that limit every week for years. Over 5 years (with very rough calculations) that's over 4000 books. Even if I halve that amount to take into account re-reads, that's still 2000 books. I could never afford that, and I'd need my own library to store them. My shelves hold books from certain authors whose books I love, and with ebooks I have another collection which is growing. But I still love my library and the fact that it is such a wonderful way to discover new books, and new authors at my leisure. (I said I was biased about them:) )
Today's libraries do much more than just loan books. They provide a gathering place for various types of clubs to meet, children to learn and play, and, as always, provide an endless supply of books (print, audio, and electronic) of every genre imaginable - all for free.My local library just hosted an Artists and Authors Festival. 38 artists (painters & photographers) and 26 published authors from the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia) participated. It was open to the general public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday and was so successful, the library's events coordinator plans to make it an annual event.
I don't think either way is better, per se, but I do prefer to own my own books, especially if I really like them (as I can then reread them, or check certain passages, whenever I want).The value of library books, however, is that they're free, they save you some clutter, and they might help you keep a reading deadline.
I check out a lot of books from my local library, which saves me a ton of money. I also buy a lot of books at yard sales or used bookstores if they are cheap. If it's something I really want that the library doesn't carry, or something from an author I absolutely love (like Nicholas Sparks) I'll buy new books.
I used to own all of my books, but then my office got too filled with them. Then I switched to an e-reader so the space issue was taken care of. Now I will buy e-books primarily. I only buy books that have special meaning to, such as autographed by an author I like. I also buy books if I need them for research. For some reason, I find it hard to research with an e-book.
