buy vs. borrow?

[Idril]

I was talking to someone the other day about books we'd read recently and he was saying there was some book he wanted to read but it was checked out at the library and whoever had it was late in bringing it back, that he'd been waiting weeks for it to be returned and I asked him why he didn't just go down to Barnes and Noble and buy it to which he replied, "I never buy books, why waste 15$ a book when I can just check them out of the library for free?" and that just seems like crazy talk to me. I have to have physical evidence of the books I've read, I want to look at my bookcase and be reminded of each experience and, if the mood strikes me, to reread a book and now that I've discovered used books on amazon, it's really not that expensive to have that evidence. So that makes me curious about what other people think, do you buy or borrow?

[kathycf]

If it is a new author to me, or if I am otherwise not sure about the book, I like to borrow it first. I do agree with you, having the books close at hand to re-read and enjoy the memories is one of the best things about having your own book collection. I have a whole wall lined with my collection. I also shop at Amazon for their used books, plus I scout out what the thrift stores in my area have to offer. Barnes and Noble is nice, but a little too pricy for me.

[Bandini]

I have quite a lot of books - I borow quite a few too though.

[grace86]

When I was younger I used to borrow books from my library. I would always check out more than I could read in a few weeks. But when I started working, I built up my own library. I still have more than I can read, but I love to know that they are there if I need them.

[Riesa]

I buy 'em, I borrow 'em, but I give a lot away, and that always makes me mad eventually. I like to keep my books too, but I've moved a lot and left a lot of them behind, and I miss them. :bawling: I like to write in them, and take them in the bath with me so I don't feel right borrowing them from the library much. :)

[Virgil]

When I was younger I used to borrow books from my library. I would always check out more than I could read in a few weeks. But when I started working, I built up my own library. I still have more than I can read, but I love to know that they are there if I need them.
I's absolutely the same for me. Plus I always forget to return them to the library on time and pay a fee anyway.

[grace86]

Haha yeah the library doesn't like me much when that happens!

[Nightshade]

no sillies do you know fines fund new books?
and library staffs pay? Of course we LOVE you when you pay fines.
doesnt your libraries have a call and renew system?
Or you could try having your books renewed everythime you get a new book out if you already have dome out that way they are all due in the same date. and so you are less likly o forgewt
Or establish a routine and visiti the libray evrey so long.
Mind you since Ive started work I ccan see how people forget to bring in thier books I mean I work in a library and am always losing track iof what books is on whose card and when I should be baning on bedroom doors and demanding books back.
But then I had someone banging on MY door asking me after midninght last night ( when I was nearly asleep) if Id rembered to find her a book.
And can someone please explain to me what a books that like a good film means?
:goof: :rage:

[papayahed]

I go in cycles, but lately I can't see forking over $8-$15 dollars for something I may use twice. And at least when I borrow I know I have a deadline and it prompts me to read.

[Idril]

I go in cycles, but lately I can't see forking over $8-$15 dollars for something I may use twice.

But if you get them used, it's not so bad. We don't have any used book stores here which is ridiculous but since I've discovered amazon's used books, I don't think I've paid over 4$ for a book and generally, they're closer to 2$/book. Of course you have to pay shipping but you still come out significantly ahead. I do still buy the occasional book at Barnes and Noble though, I love the process of going to the store and aimlessly wandering the isles until I find that one perfect book, although it's usually way more than one.

If I borrow someone else's books, either from the library or a friend, I worry something awful may happen, I may spill pop on it or drop it in the tub or my dogs may get a hold of it or something equally as disasterous so having my own copy keeps me calm ;) And I've gotten so possessive of my books, after having borrowed too many books to friends and relatives and not gotten them back, I tend to be really stingy about it now. The only person I still willingly borrow my books to is my mom. :p

[subterranean]

I'd prefer to buy for certain authors. This mainly because I like to highlite or write something near the sentences, which I consider important. It'd be a really irresponsible act to do that on borrowed books. I saw this practice when I was in college, one of the was a good friend of mine; she liked to underlined sentences with red marker on books she borrowed from the library.

Other reason that I prefer to buy books is because there's no decent public library near my house.


Speaking of buying books, there was a bookstore closing down a week a go and it sold everything on that store on 70% discount. I was like in heaven, shopping like crazy; I bought 18 books. I'd have bought more if I had more strenght to carry.

[grace86]

Nightshade, I do believe you are a fellow optimist. Forgive me for being so pessimistic! But as I said before, I don't borrow too many books from the library anymore. I do tend to spend way too much at Barnes and Noble. But half.com and amazon are wonderful. bn.com also has used books at a great price.

[Pensive]

There is no Library of English books in the whole city! Atleast somewhere near, it isn't. It sucks! In school library, the librarian does not let us (7th Graders) take the classics because she think that we are too young to read them. She does not understand that we can't live upon Wizzard Of The Ozz, Heidi, Cinderella and Snow White. It also sucks!

Then I have to go to the book-stores or second-hand book stores to buy the book. Why spend the money on your new clothes and stuff when you love reading books more than it? There are a few books, which I read on the computer as well. Actually, my brother was fond of books, he used t buy them instead of wearing new clothes and stuff...so there are a number of books in my home! Me and my cousins also exchange our book sometimes

It is sometimes difficult for me to get along with Book Club because some books are not available here like I don't think so that I will be able to find Samuel here but I will try. I have got already "Small Gods" by Prattchett at home and I am looking forward to read it but oh, there has been a tie between Godot and it..