Let's start with disclosing that we're avid readers. Like super-avid-have-fights-with-the-bf-
over-the-light-being-on-oh-my-gosh-gotta-check-out-Gregory's-post on-reading-lights kind of avid. We like novels, old design books, new design books and how-to manuals and can go through a couple of books a week. Our shelves were overflowing so we started giving books away as we finished them, but knew there must be a better way. Like a way to maybe rent books. But where?
Simple Green: Use the Library
When we were in elementary school we were enrolled in the Summer Reading Program at the local library and read our way through all of Judy Bloom and Beverly Cleary, but then our loyalty to the library seemed to have evaporated. No longer!
Yes we recently trotted down to the Santa Monica Public Library got a library card and haven't looked back since. We try to go every Monday to replenish our stock of design books, new novels, garden inspiration and how-to's and they even have dvd's and it's all free! We know, we didn't believe it either.
How is it green? Well, it might be obvious, but we'll spell it out: instead of buying a new book, you're renting one that tons of other people will read too, so you not only are cutting down on new books being printed, but you're creating space in your home by not having an overflowing bookshelf. You can therefore live in a smaller space, or just be happier (like we are) living in the same space but with less clutter.
So have you been checking out the library? Anyone do book swaps with friends or through services?
[image from jchatoff flickr]
Originally posted by Laure on AT:LA.
Comments (9)
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(Judy Blume, not Bloom). This is actually one reason I'm looking forward to moving to a different city. My city's library services are fantastically poor. Our local branch has been closed "for renovation" for years. The interim branch (recently opened, housed in a portable) has lots and lots of computers (which is great), but very few books. And apparently I can't get interlibrary loans delivered to the interim branch. I'm all for using the library, if only the library was usable.
view LisaMc's profile
I recently pared my books down from 35 moving boxes to 7. All the others went to the library. While I feel a little bit shaky, I also am really pleased. I only kept books I read at least once a year, or particular volumes to which I am attached. I have allergies, and simplifying my home helps me keep it more dust free.
I go to the library frequently now, and it rocks.
view vjm's profile
The only reason I feel guilty about going to the library rather than buying books is that I like to support authors. If everyone used the library, how would writers sell books to support themselves?
view laura in la's profile
I have at least 5 library books out at any given time. I can't remember the last time I bought a book--I probably have about 30 at home, all gifts. I do like the look of a room filled with books, but I like having more money and less stuff in my house more!
Laura--I don't know the answer to this. I guess my philosophy is that libraries have been a part of the writers' universe for so long that it must fit in there somewhere. Maybe compromise and buy books only from smaller authors?
view mandarinmarie's profile
Laura -- libraries buy multiple copies.
I'm a librarian, so this is an issue I know well.
view madampince's profile
I quit going to the library a long time ago. I never found anything I was looking for there. I just checked my city's online catalog and couldn't find a single copy in any branch of the last five books I've read.
I was told that they discard books that are not frequently checked out. I guess that's why their discard sale is so full of neat books. Only the popular dross stays on the shelves in my town.
I find most of my books in old book stores or from Alibris.
view BonivaGScott's profile
For the past few years I've been buying books at Goodwill. Recently I realized my bookshelves were filling up and I wasn't re-reading the books, so now I either donate them back to goodwill or swap them on http://www.paperbackswap.com. I've also started making use of my local library for books as well as music (they've got a surprisingly good selection if you don't mind putting it on hold and waiting til it's available!).
view delirity's profile
I live over 30 miles from a decent library so I buy my books. I do loan them to family and friends and we generally only buy books we'll both read. When books overwhelm us, we donate them to libraries or charitable organzations.
view williamsweyr's profile
I just made a major lifestyle change and have been acquiring most of my must-reads from the library. It has been going great, but it wouldn't be possible if the Chicago Public Library hadn't recently started offering many of its services online -- searches, renewals, and the all-important hold requests. My local branch stinks, I can't corral my three-year old long enough to fill out slips of paper, but.... with one click I can request most anything I can think of.
My only worry is that if I, a formerly dedicated customer, am no longer supporting my local independent bookstore, who is?
view smilla653's profile