Where do you get your books

[Dark Muse]

They were talking on the radio today about how becasue of the interent and amazon the need or use of Mom and Pop type bookstores will become obsololete becaue there will be no reason for anyone to use them anymore. But I perosnally have never used amazon to buy books, and I prefer to get most all my books from the old/used type book stores and I still think there is an advantage to such stores, but this got my thinking.

Where do you get most of your books from?

[EricP]

I would like to do my book shopping at used bookstores, but I live in a small town where reading is not considered a priority. The few independently-owned and used book shops in my area are mostly filled with sci-fi, romance novels, and religious books. There also aren't any major chain bookstores in the area (the closest Borders is about 2.5 hours away!). The B. Dalton in the local mall is tiny and pathetic.

Because of this, I usually go to the university library or order books on amazon.com.

[NickAdams]

I buy the majority of books from a used bookstore; they also sell books online, so they have international customers too. Barnes and Nobles is my second choice, but Amazon is a last resort.

[naomi moon]

I always buy my books from bookstores, or I use the university library.

[Tersely]

For right now I'm situated in a small southern town with one used store and one Books a Million. (It's not a real books a million, but a small small store bought by them) I use that place ALOT. Every once and awhile I'll go to the library if I'm out of funds, but I never use our used bookstore. Its over priced, theres no fiction/literature side (only mystery or romance). Not to mention I really don't like to own books that look like they've been through a flood, caught fire, read a thousand times, been in a moldy darkness for 100 years, picked out and resold for 1/2 the original price. On the other hand I did visit a friend who lived in Baltimore and took me to a really nice used bookstore. So I'm sure these places exist but until I'm more or less geographically situated to a higher population density, looks like I'm buying from the corporations.

[Dark Muse]

There are a couple of really good local book stores around here. And I acutally enjoy buying used books. As well sometimes you find interesting things within them. Little notes other pople left behind and books that have been signed, and such. One time I even picked up a book that was autogprahbed by the author.

On rare occasions I will use the main branch stores, if I cannot find what I am looking for in one of the local stores, and I usually prefer Borders to Barnes and Nobel, but in either case there I will end up paying close to 20$ for a book I could get a 6$ at the absolute most, and usually cheeper.

The other thing I like is that I dod not have enough space to keep every single book I buy and read, so in the local stores around here I can trade my old books in to get store cridit when I go to get new books.

And one of the stores I go to, in the back has a dollar rack. And though there are a lot of cheeasy books there, there are also sometimes some really good quality books you can pick up for a buck.

[NickAdams]

As well sometimes you find interesting things within them. Little notes other pople left behind and books that have been signed, and such. One time I even picked up a book that was autogprahbed by the author.


I love that! I bought a second edition of Whitman's Leaves of Grass for a dollar and inside was newspaper clippings of the edition.

[JBI]

The Toronto Public Library, or the more exclusive, Robarts' Library.

[Dori]

Mainly B&N. I'm not much of a library person.

[John Goodman]

Mostly online, books are just outrageously cheaper this way. I would pay $24 + tax for a hardcover version of Lolita at Chapters, but online I found it for $14 with free shipping and no taxes. The choice seems obvious to me.

[mickitaz]

I have always been part and partial to Borders... long story between my cousin and I. Unfortunately, most of the small time book stores near me don't carry what I read. I would love to support local owners, but with the way fuel prices are... I am not going to drive across town to see if a store doesn't have what I want.
I will also buy from Amazon.. specially if they are running a good deal that suites my needs.

[asilef73]

i've been buying a lot on amazon lately but i will also go to used bookstores when i need to get out of the house. i really need to stop buying books since i have so many sitting around that i have yet to read. it's like an addiction!

[Dark Muse]

Hehe oh I can relate to that. I am constantly getting new books, and yet I still have so many I have to read and I am running out of room to store them all

[_Shannon_]

I would get all of mine from my local Barnes and Noble stores but they often don't have the books I want. Then I do order from Amazon. I find Amazon's delivery-to-your-door to be convenient, though I do love browsing in bookstores. I don't think brick-and-mortar bookstores are going to go out of business soon.

I don't like Amazon, I don't like contributing to their support, but they do have most of what I want and they are convenient and price competitive.
YOu can order from your local B&N and have it delivered to you, too :)

LOL! That said- my husband works for B&N--we met when we both worked for B&N--and he gets uto a 40% discount so many books I get from there. We still go to the used bookstore from time to time-but it's hit or miss what good things they have....and I do order used books through amazon...I mean $1.00 + shipping for a book is hard to beat.

As an aside--B&N isn't hurting and hasn't been hard hit by the retail slow down--in fact because people are staying in more they seem to be buying more books and DVDs.

[JBI]

I think with books, more than other forms of entertainment, the concept of buying implies actually shopping. With DVDs one can download, and music too, but with books you need a physical object, and not just some memory on a hard drive, though they are trying to change that. I hope these new E-Readers don't take, seriously, it will do nothing but harm to the industry, and will ruin the hobby of book collecting, and weaken the pleasures of reading.

Just wait, as soon as they start bringing e-readers into classrooms, the book is finished. It will happen, I still look like an idiot with my CD player, and every now and then I need to borrow my siblings' IPod, as one CD has ceased to be enough music to walk around with.

I guess our world is just getting greedy.

[Dark Muse]

I completely agree with you. I never read e-books, or listen to books on type. I often give my boyfrined a hard time becasue almost everything he reads is online.

But I need to have the acutal book in my hands when I read. I hope that is something that does not go away.

[JBI]

I'm just thinking, what will become of classics if things go virtual? They won't be subject to copyright in their originals, therefore they probably won't last, as no academic can possibly make enough of a living writing criticism for those works. No publisher will be able to make money off of the books, and no advertiser will bother. all that will happen is the books will fade into oblivion, and you will be stuck with a Harry Potter nation.

Just think about it. If I have to pay, or go out of my way to get a book, I make sure I choose properly. And once I choose, I read the book to verify I have made the right choice, and to get my money's worth, plus my enjoyment of reading. If I download 3000 books at once for free, where am I to begin when it comes to choosing what to read? It seems almost like an additional meaning given by Borges, over time, to his Book of Sand. The Book of Sand will essentially create itself with the fusion of such technologies, leaving not answers and new gateways for readers, but fewer answers, and more distortion and loneliness.

[Dark Muse]

Yes for the disussions I will print out a story if I do not have it.

[Joreads]

Twice a year where I live there is a big book fair with thousands of second hand books at really great prices. I tend to spend a lot of money there. If it is a book from a series that I have been waiting on I always get them at the local bookshop because I can not wait. Bookshops here are getting really expensive but the chain stores have books really cheap. While I much prefer bookshops teh budget does not always allow me to shop there.

[EricP]

I don't think that an individual must choose between reading e-books or reading physical copies of books. I buy paperbacks, buy e-books, and download e-books for free.

When I was in the Peace Corps I had almost no access to English-language books. I was only allowed to pack 100 lbs. of my belongings that would last me for 27 months. Of course I brought a few books with me, but in order to have enough reading material I had to have friends and family ship me boxes of books. This was very costly and not at all dependable. I did not own my Amazon Kindle at the time, but if I did things would have been so much easier! I have hundreds of books on my Kindle now, and the entire device weighs only 10 oz. If I choose to order a book, it arrives in seconds instead of days or weeks. Living in a remote rural area, this gives me options that were previously unavailable to me.

I recognize that e-book readers are far from perfect, but I think many people demonize them and overlook the positive features they offer. I don't think that e-books will ever replace real books, but I think they are an excellent supplement.

[blackbird_9]

The source of my books all depends on my financial situation. Ideally, I'd love to buy all my books new and pretty from book stores (Barns and Noble etc.) or from Amazon, but seeing as being a full time student doesn't prove financially fruitful, used book stores and public domain online downloads have been my most recent go-to.
Concerning the ebook discussion, I can understand their benefits. Hell, I wouldn't mind carting that along with me when I travel. I can see the convenience of it. But personally, there's nothing quite like the smell and feel of pages and the glee I get from looking at my bookcase full of beautiful books.

[Dark Muse]

I don't think that an individual must choose between reading e-books or reading physical copies of books. I buy paperbacks, buy e-books, and download e-books for free.

I do not think one must choose. I just do not personally enjoy reading e-books, and whenever I do try to read something online I always feel like I cannot concentrate as much or get drawn into it as much than I can reading the acutally book in my hands. I don't like sitting at the computer reading.

[EricP]

I do not think one must choose. I just do not personally enjoy reading e-books, and whenever I do try to read something online I always feel like I cannot concentrate as much or get drawn into it as much than I can reading the acutally book in my hands. I don't like sitting at the computer reading.

I could never read a book online, either. Reading an e-book on a Kindle or another electronic reading device, however, is vastly different. The page looks much closer to that of an actual book page. It uses a technology called "electronic ink". Take a minute and look at the demonstration videos on the Amazon site and see how differently it looks than a computer screen:
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA

[coolestnerdever]

I either go to Chapters (Canadian equivalent of Barnes & Noble) or to half price book stores- they usually have some good stuff. I once got a copy of Hamlet for 99 cents.

[slobone]

Library, almost exclusively these days. I have two pretty good local libraries, and if they don't have what I want, I can go up to the University for the day.

Oh, except I also buy old bestsellers at thrift shops.

[Janine]

I am in agreement, that nothing beats seeing books lined up in a bookcase; but then I am a person who loves antiques and old books only further fascinate me. I think in today's modern world style dictates that everything and I stress this - not for all, but for many people - has to be high-tech. I know my son would never have books on a shelf and yet my small space is overloaded; he just scoffs at that fact. His house is every bit a statement and reflection of the high-tech world we live in. Unfortunately, I do think the e-books or the Kindle will be the precedent for the future; and this fact saddens me. It is like certain countries who burned book during wars.

Personally, I hate reading online even though I give into it somedays. Usually, I do as Antiquarian and Dark Muse and print the story out onto paper. I like to read the actual type on the page. If one uses the draft setting on the printer menu it does not take that much ink to do so.

I can only speak for myself, and again say, I love real books in print! For one thing, I love finding them in odd places; I love the pursuit. I usually make a point of looking everywhere. Like Joreads, I also have been to book fairs in neighboring communities; I had to really search, but it was fun when I did find a great bargain. I also, have bought books at yardsales and thriftstores in the past. Mostly now, I find my books on Amazon, although I have been annoyed at the high cost of shipping on books, no matter their weight. If I do buy some books there, I try to make up a $25 dollar order which qualifies me for the Super-Saving shipping. If they are used books or independent sellers, this is not feasible. I usually try and buy new books, but have settled for some rare 'used' ones, out of desperation. I also buy at Barnes and Noble, but not that often. Usually, I can go there and browse and come home with no book or only one book, knowing I can usually find it online a little cheaper. If I do buy there, is it usually a heavier artbook, that happens to land in their bargain section. I used to go to a great Book Warehouse, but they recently closed down. I guess online selling killed them. :( I did go to their clearance sale and found some real gems. That was my lucky day! One book, I literally, could not locate anywhere - even online and strangely enough, it surfaced there. One last place, I have purchased books from is Dover Publications and so far I was pleased with my last order of $50 worth of books, a mix of both literature and art books. $50 qualified me for no shipping fee. I recently ordered another $50 worth, since they are having a huge 60% off summer clearance; I think it is still on untill July.

Bottomline: I would say this - stay open to any possibility for books and you can find them. Even public library's (at least in the USA) periodically clean out their book stock and purge older volumes. I have gotten some wonderful books that way. They also have people who donate brand-new or barely used books - I found a recent translation that looked absolutely pristine of "Anna Karenina" and it was free for my taking. How can one beat that? I have thought of going to other town libraries and seeing what they might offer, either free or at a very minimal fee. I once did go to my friend's library (she works there) and there was a small concert; after the concert I did notice a wealth of books on tables for sale.

[Dark Muse]

I could never read a book online, either. Reading an e-book on a Kindle or another electronic reading device, however, is vastly different. The page looks much closer to that of an actual book page. It uses a technology called "electronic ink". Take a minute and look at the demonstration videos on the Amazon site and see how differently it looks than a computer screen:
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA

I understand what you are saying. And a friend of mine tried to make the same case to me once. And let me state ahead of time I know I am probably being illogical, but I do have irrational tendencies.

But I am just a romantic at heart, and I just want to feel the acutal pages of the book in my hand as I read. To me it just would not feel the same using an electornic device.

Besides I love playing with my books, going through my book shelves. I have a whole selection process of how I am going to choose which books I read next. In some ways it is very OCD, but to use e-books even on one of those devices would change all that.

[Erichtho]

I buy new books at my local bookstore (which is part of a bigger chain) and order used books via the internet, since my town doesn't have a good second hand bookstore.

[sprinks]

I absolutely adore bookstores - especially like the random little ones that are often the second hand bookstores. We were in the city yesterday to see a play, and as we walked the streets I was like "Ohh! A bookstore!" then we'd keep walking, and we'd come across another one and I'd be like "Oh! There's another one!" and then the guy next to me would be like "Yeah, we just went past that other one before..." to which I responded "Yeah but this is a random little one - that one was a big chain one, and we have one of them where we live".
I don't get my books off the internet unless I really can't find it around here or get it ordered in.

[patrickbeverley]

Leeds University Union Book Shop where possible, Amazon where not.

Though I do go mental in second-hand bookshops when I happen to walk into one.

[antonia1990]

I get books in Romanian from my local bookstore, but for those written in English I have to go to a bigger town (preferably the capital which is a 5 hour drive from my town). However, the books in English available there are only the most well known classics.

I've just ordered my first book from Amazon by a contemporary writer and I'm still waiting for it. It should arrive somewhere between the end of June and the beginning of July. Does anyone receive a notice by post that their book ordered from Amazon has arrived?

[LadyWentworth]

I have to admit that I do most of my shopping on Amazon now. Mainly because they have more of the books that I want but can't seem to find anywhere else.

I enjoy going to a bookstore and looking around. I will even write down some titles of the books that I find interesting. I then go home and check Amazon. I will compare prices to see which is cheaper. If the store is, I will buy from there. If Amazon is, I automatically place that book on my wishlist.

I like to wander through some of the really old used bookstores here. I have always enjoyed the local favorite, Schwartz. I am not a huge fan of B&N. I really don't like Border's at all. They are both the most convenient to get to, though. So that is where I go the most. Schwartz tops those two, though. I really enjoy Half-Price Books the most.

Still, the majority of my shopping is done on Amazon. That $25 that I would have to spend in order to get the free shipping isn't that big of a deal to me because I will most likely spend at least that much, anyway. If nothing else, there is always a CD or DVD that can help me raise the total to $25.

[Trystan]

Any bookstore (second-hand or one of the big corporate ones . . . usually the latter as there aren't many second-hand places around here).

And amazon.com: I should really get all my books from there, as it's far cheaper. I hate to wait, though.

[bounty]

They were talking on the radio today about how becasue of the interent and amazon the need or use of Mom and Pop type bookstores will become obsololete becaue there will be no reason for anyone to use them anymore. But I perosnally have never used amazon to buy books, and I prefer to get most all my books from the old/used type book stores and I still think there is an advantage to such stores, but this got my thinking.

Where do you get most of your books from?

i probably get books from every single place a person can get books from but a couple of my favorites are used book sales at local libraries and the local thrift shops...

[aabbcc]

Never used amazon.com nor anything of the kind, I never do any shopping online. More than buying books I am interested in, I tend to borrow them from the library, but when it comes to buying, I also prefer second-hand bookshops, not only for price, but for a certain 'spirit' those books tend to have. Alternatively I go to the 'regular' bookshops, as I live in a big city, I have quite of a choice.

I also get a considerable amount of my books abroad. Wherever I travel, I somehow end up with a pile of books rather than souvenirs, which is especially true for countries whose languages I can speak and where I get the opportunity to scan the local second-hand bookshops. :D

[muhsin]

My school liberary, bookshops and of course borrowing.

[Mr. Vandemar]

I don't shop at Barnes & Noble or Chapters. Sometimes I shop at small chains, but I try to keep it down to independent book stores. Why? To stick it to the man, or rather, the men. Down with the corporate world!

[Jozanny]

For me it is increasingly a surf over to Amazon, as able to afford. I love used book stores, and the library vaguely musty smell. Barnes & Noble is like processed food but serves for getting away from computer and studio, but Amazon is winning, really, because I am a power wheelchair user. I do not have to steer around tight corners, or get help carrying my cup of jove to a table, and I am fighting a losing battle with myself over buying the kindle. I will probably get one in September, because of the ease and the fact that I am out of book storage space.

[Morad]

My phone supports PDF, Word, and TXT files, so I don't buy any book, but I download them on it in order to read them. This makes you able to read in darkness and have a handy library you can carry wherever you go. However, I never bought any book except for educational purposes :)

[raider60]

While I always prefer used book stores often they don't have what I'm looking for; B&N or Borders rarely do. Often I go through Amazon or Abe books--

[Idios_Daemon]

There's a little bookstore within the library of the college I'm attending, and in it are a wide range of selection to choose from. It's also based on the honors program so you don't have to pay if you don't want to, and there's a little black box by the door way where you can put the amount you think it's worth. That's where i get most of my books. You'd be surprise by what kind of books you can find, and some of are in pristine condition but most are marked by other students.

[Mockingbird_z]

mainly I get books from a local library.
buying in bookstores is cool but I am just a student,and usually I can't afford buying expensive books, and books in English are always pricey. =(

[Niamh]

I get my books in work.

[ctalerico]

Because I like to keep money in the immediate area, I usually shop at local used book stores (which I love) or the local Barnes & Noble. Failing those, Amazon.com serves me well.

[Sloan]

I usually get books from thrift stores.