Library Books—Yay or Nay?

This week’s discussion post is about whether you’re for borrowing and reading books from the library or against!

Tori:

I love using the library when I want to read a book that I’m unsure about! It’s a way for me to try a book but not make a commitment like buying the book.

Lindsay:

I agree, but I have two major issues with libraries. One is that they don’t usually have the popular books for quite some time, at least the libraries I’ve been to, and the other is that when I go, I end up getting 15+ books and only reading a small fraction of them.

Tori:

Yes, exactly! Usually, my library has a big selection, and if they don’t have the book I want, I can have my library transfer between branches, or I can put it on hold. As for the 15+ books, I completely agree. Right now I have 3 books checked out, and I haven’t even finished one. I try to only get the books that I’ve put on hold when I visit my local library.

Lindsay:

I never put books on hold. I have no idea why. I think it has to do with how impatient I am. I’m like the toddler who wants something and wants it right now.

Tori:

Same! When I really want a book, I’ll just buy it. Especially with series. If I liked the first book, I’m just going to buy the second unless it’s at the library when I visit. Does the condition of library books bother you at all? I find the “used book” thing to be fun yet irritating because of my bookish OCD habits.

Lindsay:

I actually like reading used, tattered books which is weird because if they’re my own I freak about little bumps and scuffs. But what else bugs me is that if I read a book in a series at the library and have other books in the series at home, it looks empty. But I don’t want to flesh out the money for a book I just read.

Tori:

Yes! For some reason, I have a problem with buying books that I’ve already read if I don’t plan on reading them in the immediate future. I always think that the money could go to a different book that I could be reading. I’m constantly looking for new books to read even though I already have enough.

Lindsay:

You have enough to get you through the year.

Tori:

Or two.