Question for all you avid readers out there?

[mrsbornkuntry]

I usually get mine at the library, unless I find something I want to read at a yard sale, but I usually only read a book once (unless it's a reference book). DH likes to re-read his and when he finds an author he likes he tends to collect them so I buy him books for birthdays, Christmas, etc., and he uses the library. When he's deployed I use half.com to get him used books so it doesn't matter if they get tore up or passed along to other soldiers.

The kids only use the school library, we buy most of their books, but I do try to get what I can from Goodwill and yard sales. They read every day and DD10 will read and re-read anything she can get her hands on, she is a wealth of information, seriously. We went to the zoo last summer and my kids were teaching me about the animals!

 

[RALIKA]

for those that buy ebooks online where do u buy yours

 

[southernbohemian]

Just wanted to add, I also read books off of Project Gutenburg all the time.

 

[Genieklone]

Do you buy your books or use the library?

If you read alot, how much do you spent on books in a month if you buy? Why do you choice to buy over borrowing from the library.

I personnaly use the library. I only read a book once and read to many books for pleasure to justify paying $20 bucks a book.

What does everyone else do?

I am an avid reader and used to be a Barnes & Nobles/Amazon addict until I did my lifestyle change. Now I,
go to freecycle.org, Craigslist, garage sales, Goodwill, and my favorite Half Price books. I would also go to used book stores and see if they have a program where you can turn in used books for store credit.

I also use the library, but mostly for reference books that I will read once. If I think I will use it more than once I will buy it for my collection. I also ask for gift cards for birthday's, holidays to feed my library and I eliminate books that I haven't cracked open for a long time in exchange for books that I'm interested in reading now.

 

[katerkat]

I read a LOT - so much that I worked at a bookstore for the sole purpose of discounts. I do a mix - things I'm not sure on, I'll borrow from the library. Stuff that I know I like and will read over (and I do read books over and over) I buy. Certain books I buy in hardcover to have a nice set - Little House on the Prairie, Jeff Shaara books for my husband. I check out used book stores and bargain books sections (Borders and Hastings have these.) I buy my husband paperbacks for deployments since he won't be going to libraries very often while overseas.

I miss my bookstore - as an employee, I got one free paperback every week. (And I kissed butt to the employees I knew didn't get their weekly paperback and got them to give theirs to me, too! ) I tried out series, got tons of baby name books, added to my massive Star Wars paperback collection...

I have two 7' by 4' bookcases, absolutely overflowing with books (we're talking stacks in front of the rows), plus a shelf stacked 7x7 rows of Star Wars books, plus all my hardcovers displayed elsewhere... Not to mention Russ's bookcase... Yeah, I have a small book problem. I buy much less without the discount, though.

 

[bookgirl]

I'm a librarian so I use that a lot. I use to spend 100 to 300 a month on books. I reread lots of books so them I sometimes still buy but since I work for a large county system it's really easy to request and re-request. We also have a large yearly booksale (withdrawn items and donations, paperbacks 50 cents and hardbacks $1. Plus a collecters area with new bestsellers 2 to 5 dollars, reference sets, collectors items. My mom is part of the Friends of the Library group, $10 annual fee tax credit, that gets us 4 tickets to a preview night before the general public, and since I work in it one day I get to go even one night earlier for a presale.

I do still buy some but really since I"m there practically everyday I do the library and encourage others to do the same, then buy what you really will want to reread and keep for later.

 

[azgal81]

The library here has a very good selection so I generally go there. However if the book is by one of my favorite authors or the library doesn't have it (which is very rare) then I normally do buy it.

I do buy cookbooks and knitting pattern books though!

 

[crazymomof4]

I mix it up, but never buy new!
I borrow books from the library, also shop the library used book sales and flea markets to get PB's for about 25 cents to $1 each and HC for $1-$3.
Also if there is a title I can't find anywhere else but really want (favorite author) then I order from half.com or amazon.com

 

[Hunnybee]

I am a librarian. So, guess where I get my books? Our library cooperative has 80 different libraries connected. So, I can get pretty much any book that comes out, even though the library I work at is not one of the larger libraries.

Just wanted to let you know -- for all of you that buy the books and then decide you don't need them -- check at your local library to see if they take donations. The state of Michigan will give you a tax credit for book donations (not fines! ) to your library -- in Michigan, of course! Be sure to ask if your state does that as well! It really does add up! We have one man that buys books on tape/CD, listens to them once, then donates them to us. Without his donations, we would not be able to afford buying all the latest books on audio.

One thing I ask though -- please don't give your library books that you would not buy at a book sale. You wouldn't believe the condition of some of the books people give us -- moldy, full of cat hair, smelling like smoke. It's awful! So, please, before you give them to us -- ask yourself if you would buy a book like the one you are donating.

 

[mjantz]

I use the library some. Mostly for new books. I tend to check out in spurts so I can check out 5-6 1 time & not check out again for a few months.
I also use Bookins.com & I love it. I feel I get a better value for my books than taking them to Half Price Books & I get a kick out of sending my books as far away as NYC & Hawaii. I've currently got my account on 'ship out only' so I'm building points & will have my account unfrozen right before we go on vacation so I'll have new reading material!
I rarely buy books new unless I have a bookstore giftcard or its Borders Teacher Appreciation Weekend which means an extra 25% off. AFA used, I love Half Price Books & Goodwill.
Sort of unrelated, but I've decided to not buy books this year. My stash is taking over the house & I need to purge. I'll still get ones from Bookins but no purchasing. My bookshelves & my wallet are appreciating it greatly so far.

 

[NotUrsula]

Another librarian chiming in: public library service in the US is one of the best bargains you will ever get. The average US tax burden for library service is about $30 per household per year for unlimited service. If you are any kind of recreational reader you won't be able to beat that deal with a stick. If a tax millage for libraries comes up on the ballot, vote for it -- that is how you improve library service, and this is one situation where you tax dollars go really far. (Trust me, librarians are taught to squeeze out every penny in operating expenses -- money-wasters we are not.)

BTW, for those of you who have issues with late fees: almost all libraries these days allow renewals via their websites, 24/7. Just bring up your record and renew whatever you have to stop the fines from accumulating. If that doesn't do it, think of the fines the same way you would the purchase price of books you buy used -- the library will use the money to buy more books, and you will get more titles to choose from.

 

[kandeebunny]

I love the library but it is 15 miles away and all city traffic, a big hassle for me.

I buy my books used at a local used book store. I also like to re-read them, so it works out for me. I spend on average $20-30 a month on books (I also am a student so that cuts down on my reading time)