What Is Your Book Browsing Process Like? (6/4/23)

[Marc]

Assuming you are not looking for a specific title/author and you are not pressed for time, how would you describe your book browsing process at either the library or a bookstore? Are you systematic or random? Do you try to cover as much as possible or only specific shelves/sections? Are you scanning for titles, authors, colors, publishers, etc.? What types of things cause you to pause and/or pull out a selection? Do you turn your head at an angle to better read the spines? Does the location change your process (new vs used bookstore, library, thrift store, etc.)?

[Alwynne]

I don't tend to browse at the library, just order stuff online. And tend to go for titles I've already decided I want in mainstream bookshops, more systematic in indie shops that have less predictable stock, and in charity shops work my way through certain sections. One I go to has a vintage section, for example, and they often have old Virago Modern Classics with the green covers, or Persephone titles, both of which I collect.

[David]

Usually I'm in a bookstore to pick up a book I've ordered, but I like to browse around too. I'll usually start by glancing at the new releases to get a feel for the books everyone is talking about. My neighborhood store has a fantastic queer section right off the main room. That's often where I'll see books that I hadn't already heard about online. I also like to look at staff favorites, which are often quite good.

I use my library frequently, but solely to pick up books I've placed a hold on.

[Lee]

Visiting an indie bookstore I always read the staff recommends cards they put on the shelves with the books and pick one out to buy that way. It’s extra fun if the person working the register turns out to be who wrote that recommendation, I like to think it adds some spark to their day.

[Sonia]

Buying for myself in a bookstore is specific. I will have a list of possible books I am interested in. Buying for others is a bit more browsy and I will ask for recommendations. Secondhand book buying I will hone in on spines for publishers I like.

[Lark]

At the library I look at least briefly at every book on the New Fiction table, and check out about ten of them to check out more carefully at home. I end up reading 1-3. I also love walking up and down the fiction aisles and sometimes a book catches my eye and I’ll check it out. I go to the library about twice a week.

Our local bookstore has used books and there is a shelf of newly published used hardcovers that I never pass up. If I’m downtown and within walking distance I will find an excuse to go to that shelf and see what’s there. I’ll also browse the backlist shelves for the ‘used’ stickers and often end up buying a couple of books I’ve missed when they were new.

I’ve given up on being worried about the number of books I check out or buy and end up not reading. I love the process of choosing and then having them on hand when I’m ready for them. I have a theory that they’re ripening on the shelf, like tomatoes on the vine.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I used to just be all over the place; buying books because they had nice covers, or good reviews (but then again, don't they all?), or - even worse - because they were about to be made into a movie or TV show. Now I'm a lot more focused; I know the books I'm looking for and when I go into a bookstore I am usually looking for used copies in very good or better condition of a book that I want to read. But of course, most of my book shopping is done online these days. I do have my favorite in-person bookstores locally but it seems as though they are becoming more and more rare....