[2020] Voting for the 9th Mini Poll

[Chinook]

The other tip I have if you read on Overdrive - if your library allows recommendations, putting one on a book before it releases will also put you on the holds list, possibly even first in line. I don’t do it often because I like using my recommendations on things they don’t have and aren’t likely to get without a nudge, but it can be handy.

[Peter]

Chinook wrote: "I tend to throw a few new releases on my holds list on Overdrive. Sure, the waits can be long, but at some point I’m going to get the book during the year. I’ve seen six month waits sometimes, but ..."

I do the same thing, especially for series or new releases I want to read, and recently found out I can suspend my hold without losing my place. It's a useful feature to avoid getting a whole bunch of holds come in at the same time. I put them on hold and then suspend them until I'm the next hold. Then if I'm not ready for it, it just goes on to the next person on the hold list but I keep my place for when I'm able to read it which means I can finish what I'm reading without having to pause for a hold that comes in unexpectedly.

[Nadine in NY]

I love the published in 2020 prompt, because I like to read new books and sometimes they just don’t fit in any other category. I use the library almost exclusively. I put books on hold right away and the wait time isn’t too bad, no more than two months usually. Best sellers will take longer but I don’t read as many of those.

[Ann]

Anastasia wrote: "Chinook wrote: "Steve wrote: "Chinook wrote: "I think I’m overthinking the country that no longer exists.

Does it have to also be historical fiction then?

Like, Newfoundland and Hawaii come up o..." We did the country that does not exist this year in my other book club. People read Rwanda, or some of the other African nations that have changed, Soviet Union, Persia, the lost city of Atlantis, Pompeii, and I read a book called Lost cities of the world. It was a wide open prompt and great fun.
Be creative. Sometimes I think we get so literal on the prompts that we miss the fun in them. I do believe we are supposed to be enjoying our reading.

[dalex]

I'm indifferent about the 2020 publication prompt. I don't hate it because I enjoy reading the lists of anticipated new releases and I'm certain I will read some new publications. But I don't love it because I can easily put those books into a non-publication-date prompt and to do so would be a lot more fun and interesting.

Plus, I understand that there are people who are in situations who aren't able to easily obtain new books. I know I'm very lucky to have access to a library that has both a huge selection of books and a very short wait list. And I have online shopping power skills and can almost always find a book I want for no more than $10, which is cheap imo.

[Chinook]

Hold suspend is the best function. I’m sometimes not good at paying attention to my holds, so it saves me from suddenly having ten books come up at once.

[Sara]

Thanks for the tip, Peter. I will have to go learn how that is done. I generally moan because all my hold books come in at the same time or I'm in the midst of something and have to break to read a hold book or lose it.

[Angie]

I can't remember if I voted for it or not, but I like the 2020 prompt because it encourages me to keep up with what's currently happening in my chosen genres. I have to plan in advance so that I can take advantage of the library. Goodreads and other sites keep me hip to what's coming out, so I can request the book early. I get a lot of new releases the week they come out that way.

I wound up voting 6 up and 2 down. I'd have to check out my notes to recall the specifics. There were only two definite no votes for me. There were a couple I'd rather not have (I've accepted that they will almost certainly go through) but only two hard no votes.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

The only thing that keeps me from hating the published in 2020 prompt is Kindle First Reads, where as an Amazon Prime member I get a free 'about to be released' kindle book every month. There's not even always a book I want to read, but I usually get something interesting by the end of the year.

I do read some newer books from the library (like when a favorite author comes out with something new) but I tend to feel new releases are distractions from the ever growing backlist.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

I'm actually leaning toward not using all my votes this round, since there are so many I don't have strong feelings about either way. 2 down votes (and even then, I'm resigned to the published in 2020 prompt probably getting through), and of the six I had marked down as up votes, I really only care about three of them.

[Angie]

Raquel wrote: "The only thing that keeps me from hating the published in 2020 prompt is Kindle First Reads, where as an Amazon Prime member I get a free 'about to be released' kindle book every month. There's not..."

I'm looking into this. Sounds great!

[Avery]

Selu, which one of Shari Lapena’s book is the retelling?

[Rachel]

For me, the 2020 release prompt is a good reminder to keep up with some of the more recent releases that I wanted to read anyway. Of course they can be fit in elsewhere, but I tend to default more toward my backlist books, so this prompt gives me a bit of a push to read something new that I'm really excited for.

[Bryony]

Selu wrote: "If the Canadian author prompt wins, and you like more classic mysteries like Agatha Christie, I definitely recommend Shari Lapena. She wrote one of my favorite books of 2018 (a ret..."

Thanks for the recommendation Selu. I love Agatha Christie so I’ll definitely check out a book by Shari Lapena if this prompt wins.

[Bryony]

I think I’ll have mainly up votes this week too. I love the We Didn’t Start the Fire suggestion, it’s a great song and such a creative idea. I also love the Abe list (so many fantastic authors) and book about or inspired by the Beatles (because I absolutely love the band). Retelling is also in my top votes.

I will probably up vote the “top shelves” suggestion because I like prompts that encourage me to find books I haven’t already heard of. I also like the “set in a country that doesn’t exist any more” suggestion, even thought I’d probably pick something obvious like a spy thriller set in the DDR.

The only one I’ll probably down vote is xenofiction, just because when I researched it last time I didn’t find many books I was especially interested in. I don’t mind if it wins though as I quite like having some prompts that push me out of my reading comfort zone.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I nominated the 2020 prompt because the "most anticipated new release in 2020" prompt was a close call, and I thought opening it up a bit more could make it in.

On a personal level, I'm a member of Book of the Month Club, but I find myself getting so caught up reading books on my TBR that I end up not getting around to my BOTM books.... which means I have at least 12-14 books published in 2019 that I don't have a push to read because I've already planned to fill my prompts with other books. This prompt would let me read one of those I'm anticipating without it having to be a side read or without me having to put off something else I had wanted to read.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

Raquel wrote: "The only thing that keeps me from hating the published in 2020 prompt is Kindle First Reads, where as an Amazon Prime member I get a free 'about to be released' kindle book every month. There's not..."

*hurrying to check Amazon Prime benefits*

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

Kindle First Reads link: https://www.amazon.com/firstreads

I didn't realize there were so many who didn't know about this. :-)

[Sara]

If you do not have prime, you can buy one of the first reads for $1.99. I have occasionally done that.

[Jill]

Peter wrote: "Chinook wrote: "I tend to throw a few new releases on my holds list on Overdrive. Sure, the waits can be long, but at some point I’m going to get the book during the year. I’ve seen six month waits..."

I love being able to suspend holds. It is one of my favorite things about borrowing digital books from the library. I have told friends I look at it like a puzzle, always moving thing around to make them fit!

[viemag]

Katie wrote: "It's now time to get ready to vote for our next set of prompts! But as we discussed before the process began, we are going to open the poll one day after we've gathered 20 suggestions. This is a go..."

So has the poll been open yet?

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

viemag wrote: "Katie wrote: "It's now time to get ready to vote for our next set of prompts! But as we discussed before the process began, we are going to open the poll one day after we've gathered 20 suggestions..."

Yes, you can vote here:

https://www.surveymoz.com/s/5EF0B/

[Marie]

Thanks for all the 2020 feedback, it was interesting, and now I'm very jealous of everyone who has a library that takes requests!

[Perri]

Is there a way to consolidate ideas for prompts when topics win? I love some of these ideas, but to scroll back through to find them again is hard. I know there are the bookshelves, but I think those are listed after the book is read?

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Perri, once the final list is decided, the mods will make a Weekly Thread topic and they usually include the links people have posted in the discussion... if that’s what you’re looking for

[Perri]

Emily wrote: "Perri, once the final list is decided, the mods will make a Weekly Thread topic and they usually include the links people have posted in the discussion... if that’s what you’re looking for"

You're right, Emily. I like Listopias to see what I already have on my TBR list, but I could also scroll though those discussions.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

The bookshelves are any books mentioned within the progress post or A-Z folder. Most are people’s choices but there are also recommendations, especially when the weekly topics are first posted.

I could go through and add books from these threads once the shelves are posted.

I also can go through and consolidate recommendations (including lists) from the voting process within the 2020 folder for now. I can post that sometime this week.

[Chrissy]

Perri wrote: "Is there a way to consolidate ideas for prompts when topics win? I love some of these ideas, but to scroll back through to find them again is hard. I know there are the bookshelves, but I think tho..."

Also, check out the 2020 plans tab of the group spreadsheet for what others are thinking of reading.

[Edie]

Marie wrote: "The book published in the current year prompt is one I consistently hate, every year. I can't plan ahead for it, it's going to require me to get a new book instead of reducing my TBR, it's unlikely..."

As someone who primarily reads library books, many of the barriers you cite don't apply. By this time of year I will always have added quite a few "new" books to my TBR list. And yes, for the popular new books, there is often a wait until my turn to get the book off hold, but plenty of time to get them in the current year. Finally, my library has shelves devoted to new books and I love being able to walk in and pick up a book that looks intriguing, knowing I can use it for that prompt. Incidentally, I didn't vote the prompt since there were others that I liked more, but I would be quite happy to have it on the list.

[Laura, Celestial Sphere Mod]

Edie wrote: "Marie wrote: "The book published in the current year prompt is one I consistently hate, every year. I can't plan ahead for it, it's going to require me to get a new book instead of reducing my TBR,..."

Keep in mind that all libraries are different. Some have great access but not all.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I would think that, as long as this prompt is later in the list for those people reading in order, this one shouldn't be too hard to fill from a library. I know not every library has easy access like mine does, but I think by the time November rolls around, you should be able to have access to a January release, especially if you aren't going for a Reese Witherspoon pick lol.

[Perri]

Laura wrote: "The bookshelves are any books mentioned within the progress post or A-Z folder. Most are people’s choices but there are also recommendations, especially when the weekly topics are first posted.

I..."

Laura, I don't want to cause more work for you! I'm sure I'll be able to find books that I need. Well, might need help if the retelling one wins ;)
Thanks Chrissy, another good idea

[Perri]

Emily wrote: "I would think that, as long as this prompt is later in the list for those people reading in order, this one shouldn't be too hard to fill from a library. I know not every library has easy access li..."

Yeah, all of a sudden I was number 2 hundred something for Where the Crawdads Sing!

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Reese Witherspoon will get you every time haha!

[Marie]

Edie wrote: "As someone who primarily reads library books, many of the barriers you cite don't apply. "

I took the library so much for granted, it never occurred to me I'd be losing it when I was weighing the pros and cons of moving to Bermuda. We do have one, it's very small, and the book choices can be a bit erratic - they seem to choose one thing and just go mad for it. We had a big dump of fintech stuff a while ago - bitcoin, blockchain, crytocurrencies. We don't get to make requests, the "new" books aren't necessarily new releases, and no inter-library loans because - one library for the whole country!

But there's balance, because we have one of the best second hand bookstores, it's huge and paperbacks are only a dollar. Thank you to all those holidaymakers who leave their beach reads behind when they go home :) If only they'd bring more new releases, I guess hardbacks don't pack so well.

[°~Amy~°]

Marie wrote: "Edie wrote: "As someone who primarily reads library books, many of the barriers you cite don't apply. "

I took the library so much for granted, it never occurred to me I'd be losing it when I was ..."

Wow Marie, that is very interesting. I get irritated here in my town of 1000 people that our tiny library is only open one morning and one evening a week. But on the flip side, every town around us has mid to large size libraries that I can access if I want to pay a small annual fee so I should NOT complain. It breaks my heart that the rest of the world doesn't have such easy access to books.

I just read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition which is the true story of a boy from Malawi who changed the life of his family and of his entire town with information he was able to get from his tiny little library. Libraries are so important, every town everywhere should have one!

[Katie]

Sorry for not updating Post 1 with the voting link all weekend. I was running around the entire weekend & then falling into bed at night. But it's now updated with the link for those who haven't voted yet.

[Chinook]

When I lived in Korea, it was similar. There was one English library, and it wasn’t really aimed at casual readers, more for students. Many of the schools I taught at had some good YA options, but otherwise I was left with secondhand bookstores or the English selections in bigger korean bookstores. It was fine, overall, but I definitely wasn’t up to date with newer releases. That said, I discovered some lesser known gems as well.

[Jody]

I have no real luck with the libraries here either, they have English books but not the hugest selection and not many new releases. I really dislike the current year prompt, it’s just not my thing - I don’t look at what’s coming out, i have way too much on my backlog to be thinking about books that haven’t been released yet (plus I always seem to pick the crap ones when I do get forced to read a new one ... looking at you, Killing Commendatore. 😑)

[Perri]

I had no idea not everyone had access to a library in this country until my daughter moved to a town without one. Too small? I don't know. She can pay a fee for access to one in a near town - it's not inexpensive but worth every penny!

[Pam]

Marie - I’m glad you at least have access to a great 2nd hand bookstore but that’s a real bummer about your library! I think some of us take it for granted how easily accessible books are in bigger cities and countries. I know I won’t any more!

[Shelley]

There are a handful of libraries that allow you to pay a fee and join for the year. It's called non-resident library cards. https://weightywords.net/best-non-res...

Florida Orange County and Philadelphia seem to allow non-residents from outside the US as well. They're generally about $50 a year, but that can easily be re-cooped.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

My husband's parents used to live in a tiny zone where they were technically non-residents for every nearby library. (The one library that they should have qualified for was technically a public school library, and they weren't eligible because they home schooled.) And the non-resident fees were very unreasonable--I want to say it was around $100 per person, but maybe it was less, and just unreasonable because of their tight budget at the time. (Edit: I don't know about other smaller towns libraries, but I just looked it up and the big library system in my area charges $140 for non-residents to get cards!!!)

And this in the middle of the midwestern US! I feel like that shouldn't have happened if anyone had actually planned out the resident library zones properly.

[Ellie]

For the sake of one book to fit a prompt, people could do a free trial with Scribd (I'm not in the US and there were no problems accessing it when I tried it) or something similar, rather than paying to access a library. It's going to be harder if you're after a physical book though.

[Pam]

Racquel- That is so disappointing to hear! In New Mexico, any state resident can have a membership with any NM public library for free.

[Lin]

Peter wrote: "Chinook wrote: "I tend to throw a few new releases on my holds list on Overdrive. Sure, the waits can be long, but at some point I’m going to get the book during the year. I’ve seen six month waits..."

Thanks for having this discussion!!! My library allows you to suspend holds for paper books, but not ebooks. I didn't know I could do place the suspend hold on the Overdrive app.

That little tip help a bunch, as I had 3 books pop up available, and 2 more would have this week if I didn't place them on hold.

Thanks again!

[Johanne]

In my country (Denmark) there is a law that every kommune (sort of like municipality) has to have libraries to some extent. And interlibrary loans for everyone across country. Some libraries have the responsibility of supplying the region with books not all libraries can be expected to acquire (I work in one of those.. so double blessed library-wise). And everyone has free access to the libraries, even if you don't live there. That said there are regional differences, and some titles in other languages than Danish are not always accessible. But still really happy with it, reading all your accounts.

[°~Amy~°]

Raquel wrote: "My husband's parents used to live in a tiny zone where they were technically non-residents for every nearby library. (The one library that they should have qualified for was technically a public sc..."

$140 is outrageous! In Maine it's usually about $20 per year to join an out of town library. It's not terrible but is still a hardship for our growing elderly population. I did just find out today that in small towns here that do not have libraries, or have libraries that are open less than 12 hours a week, there is a mail order library you can join. I have lived in three of the towns served by that system and didn't know it. Apparently people in any Maine town who are homebound due to illness or disability can also get free mail order library services. I'll be letting more people know about that!

[Jody]

I think it costs 80-90 CHF a year to join the big library system here in Zürich. Then on top of that it costs me around 7 CHF to catch the train in to get a book. 😐 I think they might be on Overdrive or whatever now, but I let my membership lapse.

[Ann]

We get free library access, but if I look at my property taxes I pay 75 dollars a year. But I live 6 miles in all four directions from 4 different libraries. I usually choose the one I am heading by on my way somewhere. I know we are super spoiled.