For those of you who buy books versus going to the library or borrowing books, why do you buy books? I'm trying to decide if I should start my own collection. I've always been one to go to the library.
If I really like a book, I want my own copy so I can reread it whenever I want.
PatchworkGirl82 on
Most of my books are non-fiction and reference, or they’re old favorites. I have donated a lot over the years too, I’m only (lol) down to a couple thousand now.
Some I’ve also kept because they were gifts or family heirlooms. And I’ve held on to some to pass along to my nephew when he’s older.
crixx93 on
A bookshelf makes for good decoration and I have disposable income. But I’m picky about them tho. Half of my collection are ebooks, and when I find something I think I will re-read at some point, I purchase a physical copy. Most of what I end up putting there is literature proper (aka the “hard books” ). I read those as a sort of intellectual challenge. The stuff that I read for fun, I’m ok with just borrowing or getting the digital version.
along_withywindle on
I do both. I mostly buy secondhand or from local shops. I typically buy books that aren’t available from the library, or ones that I’ve already read and loved, or if I want to read something new from an author I love.
readersanon on
Why does anyone collect anything? Because they love it. I love to read, and having a home that’s full of books is just so much more appealing to me than one without. Seeing my bookshelves full of books I’ve read and those I’ve yet to read just makes me happy.
beachdust on
Same – if a series or a book speaks to you, sometimes it is something you want to hold onto . If you are like my daughter, she buys book series in different printings because that specific cove/pattern speaks to her as well.
finn_enviro89 on
A lot of the books I want to read have long hold lists at my local library. I’m not very patient. The 2-4 week deadline also stresses me out (even when I usually finish books much faster than that).
Joeclu on
Often my library doesn’t carry the book I want.
starflower42 on
You can do both. I have a large collection of books; I also use the library. I use the library more often, but I still buy when I can’t get a particular book I want from the library, or I love a borrowed book so much I want to own it, or I just feel like buying instead of borrowing.
GeekCat on
A bunch of reasons. The price is worth it. It’s a special book. The book is one I’ll always go back to or reference. Certain books can’t be found at the library or even this country. I like shiny new things.
LadyBladeWarAngel on
Having a library of books, is like having a medicine cabinet filled with first aid and home medicine. You have the perfect thing for every situation. You need a book to make you cry, you’ve got it. You need a book to make you laugh, you’ve got it. You need a book to give you an escape, you have it. I love knowing I can read what I want, when I want. That’s the advantage of having your own books, rather than borrowing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with borrowing books from the library. I just prefer to have my own on hand.
Fernwehing on
I do both but when buying I always try to buy/order from an independent bookshop.
12 Comments
If I really like a book, I want my own copy so I can reread it whenever I want.
Most of my books are non-fiction and reference, or they’re old favorites. I have donated a lot over the years too, I’m only (lol) down to a couple thousand now.
Some I’ve also kept because they were gifts or family heirlooms. And I’ve held on to some to pass along to my nephew when he’s older.
A bookshelf makes for good decoration and I have disposable income. But I’m picky about them tho. Half of my collection are ebooks, and when I find something I think I will re-read at some point, I purchase a physical copy. Most of what I end up putting there is literature proper (aka the “hard books” ). I read those as a sort of intellectual challenge. The stuff that I read for fun, I’m ok with just borrowing or getting the digital version.
I do both. I mostly buy secondhand or from local shops. I typically buy books that aren’t available from the library, or ones that I’ve already read and loved, or if I want to read something new from an author I love.
Why does anyone collect anything? Because they love it. I love to read, and having a home that’s full of books is just so much more appealing to me than one without. Seeing my bookshelves full of books I’ve read and those I’ve yet to read just makes me happy.
Same – if a series or a book speaks to you, sometimes it is something you want to hold onto . If you are like my daughter, she buys book series in different printings because that specific cove/pattern speaks to her as well.
A lot of the books I want to read have long hold lists at my local library. I’m not very patient. The 2-4 week deadline also stresses me out (even when I usually finish books much faster than that).
Often my library doesn’t carry the book I want.
You can do both. I have a large collection of books; I also use the library. I use the library more often, but I still buy when I can’t get a particular book I want from the library, or I love a borrowed book so much I want to own it, or I just feel like buying instead of borrowing.
A bunch of reasons. The price is worth it. It’s a special book. The book is one I’ll always go back to or reference. Certain books can’t be found at the library or even this country. I like shiny new things.
Having a library of books, is like having a medicine cabinet filled with first aid and home medicine. You have the perfect thing for every situation. You need a book to make you cry, you’ve got it. You need a book to make you laugh, you’ve got it. You need a book to give you an escape, you have it. I love knowing I can read what I want, when I want. That’s the advantage of having your own books, rather than borrowing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with borrowing books from the library. I just prefer to have my own on hand.
I do both but when buying I always try to buy/order from an independent bookshop.