Booking Through Thursday Question of the week

I’ve asked, in the past, about whether you more often buy your books, or get them from libraries. What I want to know today, is, WHY BUY?
Even if you are a die-hard fan of the public library system, I’m betting you have at least ONE permanent resident of your bookshelves in your house. I’m betting that no real book-lover can go through life without owning at least one book. So … why that one? What made you buy the books that you actually own, even though your usual preference is to borrow and return them?
If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?

I sometimes get books from the library, mainly new books, especially if the book is by an author I have not read before; but most of the time I purchase books. I rarely, however, buy books new. I don't like to buy paperback books, and I can't see spending $25 dollars for a book. I search out books at yard sales, used book stores, thrift stores, etc. The last couple of years I have gotten most of the specific books that I want from http://www.paperbackswap.com/ I might have to wait awhile, but the book isn't going to change in that time, and by then maybe the sequels will already be out, and I can read them all at once.

So, why buy instead of borrow?

1. So that I can re-read. Yes, I am a re-reader. I like that I can read a certain book when I want to feel or certain way, or when I am in a certain mood. Some people can't understand this - why read it again if you already know the ending? But for me reading is more about the words and the feelings than the story. Besides, most people have a favorite movie that they watch repeatedly: same thing.

2. Books look pretty on my bookshelves.

3. I can lend to other people (if they promise to be nice).

4. In case of the collapse of our society, I will still have enough to read for pretty much the rest of my life. Which is another great thing about an unread TBR pile. (To see my library on librarything click here.

5. I am just a born book horder, I get a thrill from looking around me and seeing all of my books (friends in waiting).