Library or owning?

Apple2011 · Post by **Apple2011** » 08 Aug 2014, 13:13

I prefer to own my books. Once read, they are a piece of me. I like to browse for books at the library so I can feel them and read a couple pages to see if it sparks my interest, but I usually end up purchasing anything I find online. The used bookstore has also become one of my favorite places to discover new authors.

Johntherobert · Post by **Johntherobert** » 09 Aug 2014, 01:34

I like going to the library, but I'd rather have a library of my own.

Georgia_hillxo · Post by **Georgia_hillxo** » 10 Aug 2014, 18:24

Definitely owning. Because that way, you can return to them anytime you like to re read them

littlebook · Post by **littlebook** » 10 Aug 2014, 18:54

I prefer owning my books. Although, I do like seeing the library books occasionally. You get to see the love that someone put into the book, before you have read it yourself.

cia1018 · Post by **cia1018** » 10 Aug 2014, 21:41

I prefer to own the book I am reading or the book is a part of the same household. I do visit the library often I can check out 50 books at a time and renew online and drop off to any location 24/7. The library is very easy to use and it's free!

PluviophileReader · Post by **PluviophileReader** » 11 Aug 2014, 11:44

If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said I preferred to own but since I've been trying to narrow the amount of books I have I've been making better use of the library. Not only has this worked wonders on my budget and the space in my home but I've really come love the experience of going to the library and having all of those choices at my fingertips practically for free! It's amazing what libraries can offer for such a low annual fee.

-- 11 Aug 2014, 10:45 --

With that being said, if i love a book I will want to keep it so I will often go out and purchase a copy of the book after I've finished with the library book.

Snoots · Post by **Snoots** » 11 Aug 2014, 13:26

Both for me but I lean toward the Library. I have a ton of books on shelves and can look at them as parts and pieces of my imagination and experiences (like old songs get stamped into your past). But I find that I don't read them again and they sometimes sit as markers and stones and themes of my past , good and not so good, from which I might be fine just leaving behind. Beyond that they become a responsibility; how do you throw 'em in a box at a yard sale ? Maybe is that is eventually the library experience, posthumously or not. Brings me to Library books. Flat out, I love libraries because they are the most nurturing social contract I have in my life. I like reading books that others have read. When I find the occasional hair in the binding I always pause and make up an imaginary reader (same as I make up imaginary authors before viewing pictures or bios before finishing). I like library treasure hunting and not having to buy the eggs. But I also like book-havers and keepers because you protect the sometimes dusty things we all value.

HeneryKnox · Post by **HeneryKnox** » 11 Aug 2014, 15:03

I like to own books as well as use the library it seems like the library where I live doesn't have a huge selection of books I enjoy reading but it is good if I am unsure if I will like it or not. It is a lot easier to buy books now or use an e-reader than go to the library and have to return something.

Chelsea_M · Post by **Chelsea_M** » 11 Aug 2014, 18:27

Own, I just like to have the book

jacob23 · Post by **jacob23** » 11 Aug 2014, 19:11

I'd rather own my books that use the library. I love the idea of free books and do frequent the library, but I really dislike hardcover books and that's essentially all I can get from my library.

CloudedRune · Post by **CloudedRune** » 12 Aug 2014, 05:43

I definitely love owning my own books but I really, really appreciate the library.

Also when my local libraries have sales of old books, I really enjoy that! Even if they aren't all in the best condition, quite a lot of them usually are in decent shape and it's a very cheap and convenient way to get some good stories.

I've also done work experience at two libraries in my area and that has probably ended up contributing to my appreciation of them (always was rather nice to have a lot of choice of what to read in my breaks too!)

jovanovi · Post by **jovanovi** » 12 Aug 2014, 12:40

I'm definitely an owner. I will donate books to a library, just wouldn't think to borrow one. Not only do I have to own a book, I get ansy if my "to be read" shelf has only 4-5 books on it. I'm compelled to stock the shelf.

kchedges · Post by **kchedges** » 12 Aug 2014, 18:17

Libraries are convenient, good for borrowing books quickly and finishing them just as fast but i find owning books gives you that certain sense of satisfaction. Not to mention you can revisit books you own, savor them, read them over and over again and peruse them whenever.

caryjr73 · Post by **caryjr73** » 12 Aug 2014, 20:17

Both. I like to use the library as a way to discover writers that I have not read before...low risk/high reward. I buy anything else.

Heather · Post by **Heather** » 12 Aug 2014, 20:20

I prefer to own my books. My husband and I would love to have a room in the house called "the library." So, we're building up our collection.

However, I get A LOT of books from the library, because it would simply cost too much to buy all of my books at the rate I read them. I do, sometimes, go out and buy a book after I've read it from the library, because it was just too good not to own.