This is a tough call.
A lot of people enjoy going to the library and borrowing a book for very little money. It’s simple, inexpensive, and the selection is wide.
For me though, there’s nothing like owning a book and knowing it’s yours, and you can read it or browse through it whenever you like. Buying books may seem like a bit of a waste to some people, but I find it highly rewarding.
What do you think?
I used to be a big proponent of the library and borrowing the book everytime. I usually finish the book within the two week borrowing period and only rarely go back to read a book twice (there’s too many new ones to try…) so it made sense. But recently I’ve become more of a fan of buying the book outright. I find I didn’t get to the library enough and this way I can buy a book now but read it later when I’m done my current one . Also, you can lend it out to friends if you think they would like it and the idea of starting up my own book collection is an attractive one.
A good solution for those stuck in-between as I often am is buying from used bookstores! You can usually get the book for a fraction of the cover price and it’s yours to keep.
The Library makes me more adventures. When I see something interesting-ish at the bookstore, I weight factors like price into my decision and often judge a book by it’s cover. At the library it doesn’t matter if i come home with 5 books and only like 1 of them because it’s not like I spent my hard earned money on something that wasn’t ‘worth it’
That all said, if I get a book at the library and really like it, I’ll go out and by my own copy.
The Library makes me more adventures. When I see something interesting-ish at the bookstore, I weight factors like price into my decision and often judge a book by it’s cover. At the library it doesn’t matter if i come home with 5 books and only like 1 of them because it’s not like I spent my hard earned money on something that wasn’t ‘worth it’
That all said, if I get a book at the library and really like it, I’ll go out and by my own copy.
Hey, you can always gift out books you don’t like to people you don’t really like… No, I’m joking. I agree that there’s a risk in buying a book before reading it, but if it’s an author you know you like or if a good friend recommended it, I wouldn’t bother weighing any factors and just go for it. Books aren’t that expensive anyway (although it does add up I guess).
I’m all about libraries and borrowing my books. There’s something about the atmosphere of some libraries that I can’t get enough of. There’s so many choices, and usually the librarians are more than helpful to find you that perfect read.
I also like the idea of using a service that is free for us to use, I like having the opportunity and I try as often as I can to take advantage of it.
Although the one thing I can’t stand about borrowing books is when there’s a huge hold or waiting list for the most popular ones. Especially when something just comes out and you’re eager to read it, chances are you’re going to have to wait your turn at a library.
You never know where a library book has been!, lol. Library books are sometimes in bad condition, but normally they’re fine. I’m okay with the library, but I find buying a book much better. It could be bad, but it’s worth the risk. There’s no time constraint on returning the book when you buy it. Also, if the book you but is, in fact, terrible, oftentimes you know someone else who would like it fine.
On another note, if a book you want isn’t at the library, you have to wait for it (and sometimes it never shows up).
I agree with all of you, but, since I never seem to get the library books back in time and now my county charges late fees, it is better for me to buy the book. I’m an Amazon junkie. I always buy the cheapest kind which is usually used. My recent haul was all the children’s books by or biographies about Wanda Gag. I had books coming from everywhere! She translated and illustrated Snow White from the Grimm brothers and Disney made their movie from her story. Not all of her stories are good, but Millions of Cats, is still a big seller. I like the Amazon feature that displays all the books by an author and the reader reviews. I spent the bucks for two day shipping so it’s the best of all possible places to get a book. I recycle paperback books that I didn’t like or know I’ll never read again. I pass on books that are new and interesting and I always keep all the old or new books that I adore.
i would like to say that it is better to borrow book from library and after reading if u like to have it in ur collection then u can buy that novel
That’s a good point too, you can borrow and then buy if the book is good. I’ve done that before. It eliminates the risk of ending up buying a book you don’t really like… but on the other hand, without the risk, where’s the thrill?
That’s a good point too, you can borrow and then buy if the book is good. I’ve done that before. It eliminates the risk of ending up buying a book you don’t really like… but on the other hand, without the risk, where’s the thrill?
i would like to say that there is no point in such a thrill bcoz a single worm can destroy your whole garden
When I was younger I used to borrow library books all the time, but now that I’m a bit older, I prefer buying them. There’s nothing like going through the aisles and finding a new book with its glossy cover and crisp white pages, all ready for you to go through and crinkle.
Plus, old library books make me sneeze.
i gain access to books in various ways seldom from libraries anymore, as I do not drive. I do borrow and exchange books with friends, download books from the internet and purchase some as well. Some books are treasures that are like gems and some are consumables so I gather them as I feel they should be. Remember you can almost always get a copy of a book in the future.
Just a note: When my husband and I downsized to a new place a year ago, I found that I had way to many books I had considered gems-over 5,000 of them. So, I suggest that if you have not picked up a book in 6 months you reconsider it’s classification.
For me exploring the realms of a book matters. I don’t really care if I own it or borrow it. One can never hope to own the tremendous knowledge contained in a book.
