I honestly feel a bit embarrassed even writing this post. Part of me feels like everyone here already knows all of this. However, I am a lifelong reader, and I’m just realizing this in my late twenties, so maybe there are others here who could use the gentle reminder:
Libraries are amazing and we should make the effort to use them!
I’m someone who is on booktok/booktube a lot and who is constantly, impulsively buying books to keep up with trends. I used to believe that I was building my home library (and I have no judgement towards anyone who wishes to do that). However, I personally found that I was rarely returning to books, other than a few favorites, and the books in my home were just taking up a lot of space after I’d finished them. Additionally, I often fell into the trap of buying off of amazon because it was so quick and easy (again, no judgement if you do this).
As a teacher who doesn’t make much, this was really starting to impact me financially.
I went to my local library yesterday and so many of the books I’ve bought in the last few years—that I’ve probably spent hundreds of dollars on—were there for free. 🤡
Plus my library has audiobooks available through libby (and yet, I was paying for audible—goofy).
I think in capitalistic societies, many people buy/consume on default instead of looking for other means of obtaining what they wish. For me, this extended to reading. I knew libraries were there, of course. But I sort of forgot they were an option, and I got so hooked on the dopamine rush of visiting bookstores or getting books in the mail that I forgot to even check the library.
Libraries are such important pillars of communities.They provide free services and allow so many to have access to books they couldn’t otherwise experience. Not to mention letting people use the internet, providing ESL lessons, and doing a lot of other community outreach (depending on the location). We should support them.
True, you sometimes have to wait to get your hands on the next, big book. But you might find something else—maybe something that wasn’t even on your radar—to read while you wait.
What are some of the reasons you visit the library?
PS: I know supporting Indie bookstores is also important, but that’s its own post:)
by gatheringground
12 Comments
Having fun isn’t hard
I wish I had enough money for buying things to seem “easy”
I love library’s, that being said I do find it annoying getting a book that’s been vandalized. Most of the time I understand librarians catch it but it’s still annoying. I do linke kindle library you get access to with prime.
I use libraries as a trial run to then buy the books that I actually like
I’m a die hard library user. I absolutely love it. Do a deep dive online (and ask your librarians) about all of the various things they have to offer; some of them will surprise you. Our library system has a seed library for flowers and veggies, and also gives free passes to our local zoo. I am retiring soon and my library usage will go through the roof. Enjoy your new card!
When I was in law school, my local library served as my ‘private’ study refuge. I went on to develop a soft spot for its place within a community, as you mentioned. Now as a practicing attorney, I still love to use the library to supplement much of my reading habit. As you mentioned, borrowing books is a huge space saver! If I love a text enough I will purchase it to add to my own personal collection. I’ve found this to be more eco-friendly.
I always borrow from the library first. The books that end up on my shelf are books I read from the library, loved, knew I would read again, and bought.
There have been exceptions, like if I need to get a book for book club and it’s not available at the library. If I didn’t love it I rehome/resell it.
I love books but I sure don’t like storing them, especially at the rate my children consume them. We go to the library all the time and participate in most events/programs they have going on, it’s great. One of our librarians even made an extensive list of books available in the library that my daughter would enjoy. A truly great resource! Definitely show love to your local library and the people who work/volunteer there
And if your library has interlibrary loan set up, use that as well. Some libraries have interlibrary loans set up with out of state libraries via Worldcat. An absolutely fantastic resource to have.
I live a ten minute walk from my local library and, during the times I was unemployed, it was a safe haven for multiple reasons. It was to get books and just to get out of the house. Libby and Hoopla are my primary sources for audiobooks, though I have Audible, Everand, and Spotify as backups. Plus, I love the atmosphere of libraries. I have yet to enter a library I did not like. Hence why I went to get my Master’s in Library and Information Science and work library jobs.
I use it to scratch my shopping itch. I don’t read every book I pick up, but I’m much better off pretending for two weeks that I might be interested in embroidery by renting a book about it than buying a little kit.
I get all my books from the library. They sometimes have graphic novels, niche books or older books that brick and mortars don’t stock. I get movies and TV shows on disk. I get free laser printing; I don’t want to spend money on toner.