Let's talk libraries.
I know I made a post awhile back discussing the cheapest way of getting books and mentioned that I make frequent trips to my library for used book sales. Recently, after realizing that I would never be able to afford all of the new releases my little heart desired I started checking out books again. Which was made even better by the fact that my library now allows holds to be placed online rather than dealing with the grumpy people inside so I can be in and out even quicker. Ah, the joys of computers...and the internet.
Since I've started checking out books again, I haven't since I was kid really aside from the occasional book here and there, I'm able to keep up better with all of the new releases and a lot of the popular series whose numbers have gotten into the double digits. [I may have slight issues with buying series when they reach these numbers, they take up so much space! And the cost, oh the cost...]
The only problem I've run into so far with this system is the fact that occasionally in the ten or so books I check out there are a few that I find so amazing that they end up on my wish lists anyway because I want a copy for my one shelf, one that I can read again at my leisure and loan out constantly. I know I'm not the only one who does it but I still feel guilty. I can't even pinpoint the exact reason for the guilt aside from the vague I've already gotten to read it I shouldn't need to own it as well when I already own hundreds of other volumes.
So I'm curious, how many of you guys utilize your local [or not so local as the case may be] libraries? What books do you check out over buying? [Series and new releases that I have to read because you guys make them sound so good!] How many books do you pick up per trip? [I usually average ten unless I'm just there to scoop up some holds.]
If you don't utilize your library, why?
Comment below with your answers and maybe even some suggestions for future Tiara Talks. :]
I use the library often. My children get a lot of books there. It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. As much as I love all of the books I think seeing kids in the library is my favorite part of going. I love seeing what books they get excited about and seeing some of them try to make it to the counter with books stacked taller than them! :]
ReplyDeleteI used to borrow from the library a lot. Then I got to buying. And since the books I get are so cheap (mere cents or even free), I don't borrow anymore. Unless it's a book I'm really not sure of, like the Hunger Games trilogy lol but that would be read in the far future so I don't need to worry about it right now
ReplyDeleteFunny you should post this, I've written a post about utilising UK libraries, which I'm posting sometime tomorrow, as part of a series I'm planning to do about getting books on a budget!
ReplyDeleteOnce Upon A Time
I buy a lot of books too, Arianne. Mostly cheap ones I find in used book stores or when my library is selling but most of those aren't newer releases so those are the ones that I tend to check out. And I can't afford to buy a lot of books either, a few dollars here and there is usually my limit.
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to slow down on my borrowing from the library though because I am so backed up on my TBR piles. I haven't really read any of my own books since I've started checking out so I'm getting a bit overwhelmed.
Thank you for commenting! :]
That is a funny coincidence, Hannah. I made a similar post about getting cheap books awhile back. I think I might have mentioned that in this post. It seems as though getting more books and cheaper is an issue on a lot of bloggers and readers minds.
ReplyDeleteThe ones at our library bookstore have recent ones. That's where I got half of my Sookie Stackhouse series, Sarah Dessen, most of my Nicholas Sparks, etc
ReplyDeleteLucky! We get Sarah Dessen occasionally and lots of Nicholas Sparks. I've never seen any Sookie Stackhouse though. Which would be cool as I haven't gotten to read any of that series yet.
ReplyDeleteI use the library all the time, and I visit at least twice a week. I use the online hold system, too, and manage my account online, too, so that I don't return anything late.
ReplyDeleteI usually buy books from authors I have read previously, and I check out new to me writers. Or I'll check something out just because it was shiny and caught my attention. The library is a great resource, especially for bloggers on a budget like me!
I'm in LOVE with the online hold system and being able to manage my account. It saves so much time and I'm able to do so much more.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a budget too, an extremely tight one with little margin for shopping errors. I try to only buy books from authors I know and love but occasionally someone whose reading taste is the same as mine will recommend a book and I'll splurge on it as well.
Thank you for commenting! :]
I use the library ALL THE TIME! I also work there. :) But I also buy plenty - my shelves at home are definitely overflowing. And I have one shelf committed to library books/DVDs/audiobooks/CDs. I often donate books that I buy to the library after I read them - I like seeing the YA section grow. But my library is great - it's connected to libraries all over the region through a fabulous library system so we can basically get anything we want (though sometimes there is a wait for popular titles).
ReplyDeleteOh! And one used books at book sales tip: look for YA (if that's your thing) in the adult books and children's titles. Sometimes I find the shiny new hardcovers mixed in with the adult fiction (paperbacks too for that matter). Often people sorting books for library sales don't recognize YA as YA unless it's obvious (like the cover screams TEEN!). Some of my best YA finds have been mixed in with adult books.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous that you get to work at a library, Em! [And maybe internally squeeing inside at the fact that you commented on MY blog. Huge fan of yours! <3]
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad I've started going again. When I stopped awhile back it was because I had already read all of the YA they had. So glad to see that the shelves are rapidly filling up now.
Thank you for the tip! I'll be sure to check the adult books out next time. I know I've caught one there before, Far from Xanadu by Julie Anne Peters. But I thought it was a total fluke.
Thank you for commenting! :D
Oh libraries <3 THE LIBRARY is my fairy godmother. There is no way that I would be able to purchase all the books that I read and so many amazing books have come from the library.
ReplyDeleteI definitely do most of my library stuff online. Actually, I can't remember the last time (it's been so many years) that I just went to the libraries and browsed the shelves. Most of the time, I'm just picking up holds. It works well for me especially just because we have inter-library services and my library in particular is a small one. Most of the books that I read are shipped from a couple of larger ones farther away.
Great post!
I haven't browsed the actual library shelves since my first trip back, all of my stuff is done online too. It's so much easier and I love how easily you can put holds on books from other libraries. Ah, convenience how I love thee.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much just waltz in to get my holds and check out the used bookstore inside. Which was total torture today because I was short on cash. Lol.
Thank you!