I love to visit my local library to choose books to read. I have other nearby libraries that I can visit as well. Libraries in my country are free but when I lived in the Netherlands I paid a charge.
Do you visit a library?
If so how often?
What sort of books to you like to borrow?
[question posted by maximax8]
responses and comments:
When I was studying at college I was forever in the library, getting out reference books, but a library is not the place I like to stay in because it is not the quiet place it used to be or should be! Libraries are very noisy places. I don't read much nowadays, because I spend a lot of time on the computer and I guess the computer has taken over from the hours I used to spend reading. I like to support charity shops by buying second hand books cheaply and once I have read them I will give them to my neighbour to read or I will take back to the charity shops. I like detective and horror novels the best, but I have to be in the right mood to read and I have to have total silence, I need 100% concentration when reading and no interruptions. [wolfie34]
My mum was a reference librarian before she retired so often managed to get the books on my reading list that I needed when I was a student. I find libraries apart from in the children's session quiet. Some people go there to use the computers and there is a one hour limit per person a day. I like the idea of buying books in charity shops. [maximax8]
I like romance novels but I don't really go to the library that often now even though there is one right down the road form me! I like to have nice new books and collect them on my bookcases so thats why I don't visit the library that often!! x [frankiecesca]
I am sure that your book case looks lovely with all the books that you have bought. If I lived so near a library I might visit it a few times a week. If I borrow a book that I really love I try to buy my own copy of it. x [maximax8]
I have hardly eveer used a library other than when looking for reference material/. I like ot own the books and be able toread them at my leisure. By owning them, when I finish one, I have a huge selection at my fingertips to welect my next book to read. If I went to a library, I would have to wait till the next day and I would have to read them before my loan ran out. No such problem if I own my own library. [sandyrusty]
Over the years I have been successful in acquiring the books of my 15-20 favourite authors as well as many books from authors I have never read but will see if I want to. Most books were bought used but never at full cover price. One of the best deals I have around here is that the library has a used book sale every last Saturday of the month (except December). Hardcover books are three for $2.50 (price went up recently from $2). Many libraries do this as fundraisers. I found one in Swindon, England doing the same for the same reasonable prices. Imagine, "Shogun" hardcover for $0.67. That's what I paid - less than an overdue book. Look into it amongst the libraries near you. [sandyrusty]
When I was a student I consider school libraries as my second home. I love reading. So I spend most of my free time in books. I can read 4 to 5 books in a day during those times. [izathewzia]
It is excellent that the library was your second home when you were a student. I so love reading. I don't watch much television but read a lot of books and go on to the Internet for quite a lot of time. [maximax8]
I find I no longer need to visit my local library anymore. People are always giving me books and when I finish them I pass them on. There are a couple of real great used book stores near me that I love to visit, I can spend hours just browsing books in them. I like to read suspense, fantasy and horror mostly. [ljean791]
Used book shops are great but it can take ages to browse in some of them. I was studying children's literature as part of my degree and I found a first edition of my favorite book when I was a child. So I bought it even though it was quite pricey. It is great that you book trade with friends. [maximax8]
I use the library all the time. Books are too expensive and I read too many to buy them all. There is no charge unless you are late returning the materials. (Which I unfortunately do quite often.) I try to get there every week, but sometimes I end up missing a week. I borrow mysteries, romance novels, scrapbooking books and magazines, DVDs and childrens books. [Essie119]
Yes, libraries are great because I couldn't afford to buy the thousands of books that I read. With twenty books out the fines can be high if I am late returning them. I can view my library records on the net and renew my books without going to a library. [maximax8]
Yes, we have a little library in my town. And the BEST librarians in the world! If they don't have a specific book I want, they get it for me. When I was researching material for my book, the 2 librarians were awesome! sometimes I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted but they always managed to get the perfect information! I spent every day, all day at our library for months. Not so much now but I do stop in and visit even when I"m not getting a book. I like sci-fi fantasy but I buy a lot of it, sometimes I"ll get sci fi or fantasy but usually I get information books or something I want to read but don't want to buy. I love our library, it's a valuable resource in our community. [thelastwolf113]
Your library sounds like one of the best in the world and with librarians that are delightfully helpful it is an excellent resource for your community. It is great when a book from out of your area comes in. My cousin emigrated and her local library is small, the next nearest libraries are 4 hours north or 5 hours west. I feel lucky that I have many libraries near my home. [maximax8]
All the time, usually once every two weeks or three. My son and I go a lot and I like to get out books for him to read to me each night. We also participated in the summer reading program and he managed to read 15 books and received a coupon discount booklet to all sorts of places. I read all sorts though, mostly thrillers and anything that I may be interested in. There is so many to choose from and I never run out of books to read when we visit. [maddysmommy]
I am so pleased that the library has helped your son's reading. He did so well to read 15 books over the summer on the reading scheme. It is great that you and your son visit the library so often. I hope that you both have an enjoyable time visiting somewhere with the discount booklet. [maximax8]
I used to go to the library almost daily when it was right next to my office. But, now I'm not near one any longer, so I don't go as often. Here libraries are free as well, if you live in the county the library is in. If not, you have to pay about $25 per year. I primarily use the library for audio books, since they are so expensive. I tend to just buy regular books unless I'm dying to read a new one but don't want to buy hardback. [itsmefaith]
Yes, it was more convenient when the library was right next to where you were working. It is wonderful that your library is free. In the past I belonged to a home county and two borough libraries. Now I just belong to my county's libraries. [maximax8]
I do but not as much as I should. I love buying books. I need to just borrow them for free though. [dani27]
Buying books is great but you can get more books if you borrow them from a library. It is wonderful when membership at a library is free. [maximax8]
I'm not as big a reader as I once was but I still use the library. It is free here as well and there is a time limit for how long you can have the books checked out but it is usually plenty of time to read them. I will see something that I think would be interesting and check it out from the library. If it is good then I usually will get a copy for myself. The library I guess serves me as a screening place for books. [eeyore39]
Many people are not such big readers of books anymore because of the Internet. Our libraries have a time limit of three weeks so I think that in plenty of time to read a book but it is a short time for a language course. I like the way you use libraries to screen books. [maximax8]
Lucky for me, the city of Sheboygan has a very nice library. There is alot do see and do in there. I read the magazines alot, browze thru the newspapers, and look at what new books have come in. I usually stay in there around 4 hours. Lately I have been reading philosophy books and self help materials. But normally I look at what the librarians set up as their books of the month. Libraries are cool places to get away from problems. [Moosebreath]
Thanks for your very good description of what you do in your local library. I like self help books too, especially ones on clutter clearing. With four hours in the library you are not in any rush so that is relaxing. [maximax8]
Good morning, Maximax. Whenever I get a notion to go to the library, I usually visit it every other week. I can check out books for only two weeks at a time here and can check them out for free. Whenever I return a book past its due date, I am fined 5 cents per day per book. That can add up pretty quickly if I have several books checked out. Most of the books at the library are ones I remember seeing many years ago. I try to avoid those as much as possible. I like to check out the ones that are new. I also like to get books from there that meet some of my interests, such as books about pioneer living, plant, birds, animals, nice picture books, and anything else that would just catch my eye. [bluerubymoon53]
Good evening Blue Ruby Moon, It is great that you visit your local library fortnightly. Yes, the fines can really add up for me too especially when I have 20 books out. The fine is 15p per book per day. It is lovely for you then when your library buys new books and puts them out on its shelfs. I like books about animals and plants as well. I got a delightful book out about coral reefs and it was fascinating for me because I like snorkeling. [maximax8]
I only visit the library once a month but never check out the books because they dont have any good ones these days. [StarChild517]
I hope that your library buys some new books then next time you visit you will be delighted. Good luck. [maximax8]
Yes , i like reading books ,but not all of the books i will reading . Sometime i really want to go to the library to borrow some books ,but there is not a library nearby my home .so when i am in my school , i will borrow more bokks as i can .i like reading the books which is about the citys or revualution,is very ineresting. [lyy284891086]
It is a shame that there is not a library near your home. Your school library sounds a lot more convenient for you. My favorite city is Sydney and my local library sold an old book about it so great that I had to buy it. [maximax8]
Visiting libraries is my favorite past-time and I often visit once or twice a week. The libraries in Singapore are managed by a library board, and the libraries range from regional to communities libraries. Memberships are free though annual premium membership are available, which allows the borrowing of CDs and DVDs. The borrowing term is a month for books and 1 week for CDs and DVDs. I used to have premium membership where I borrowed classical CDs and DVD movies. When it expired, I borrowed books such Tess Gerritsen's novels and references on health and beauty. A good feature of the libraries is that I can return the borrowed materials into a "Book Drop" even when the libraries are closed, and at any of the libraries. [naka75]
I do but I find that libraries seem to have mostly old books. I prefer to read new books and I only use the library when I don't have money for new ones. The libraries in Trinidad do very little updating of their stock of books. Thats their main downfall. [Bluepatch]
Yes, during my college years but not anymore. I prefer buying books than borrowing, maybe because I find my books a great collection, and an investment as well. [jaypeemanuel]
I love the library. In my country it is also free, and we can borrow books, magazines, cds, dvds and even toys in some libraries. My daughter and I go every three weeks and have a lot of fun choosing our books. [penny64]
I visit the library not so often. The only time I go to library is when I want to preview a book before I buy. [robbychen2009]
I love the library, which is free to use where I live -- except for the fines if you don't return the materials on time, which happens to me quite frequently (especially since they stopped marking the book with the date due back and just give you a receipt that shows the due date.) I immediately lost the receipt and then can never remember when the books are due, especially since new release books are due back sooner than the older books. I have no more room in my house for buying books and having to store them on shelves so the library is a must for me. Also, books are so expensive that the library is a blessing. The other good thing about library books is if you check one out and don't like it, you can just return it. You haven't wasted your money on something you decided not to read after all. [deem1977]
Hi,maximax, I visited librery before.Now,I can get the information that I need form internet,because it is very convenience!I'm a commodity desiner,so I would like to read some books about design. [sunny69316]
Yup I do very frequently. we have a university library and every time I have a vacant period, I stay there and read... Most of the time for fun I read romance, fantasy, mythology and investigative or undercover books. But mostly for research I borrow a lot of engineering books since I am an engineering student... x) [serenity264]
i like to go to the library and get books that i like to read. i used to go once every 3 weeks as that was the time limit that i could borrow the books for. but it's been some time now since i last went as i am quite busy these days. also, my membership card has expired so i need to renew before i can get any more new books. i prefer borrowing to buying books as i feel that the books would just take up space at my home and i don't really read a book that i've read often unless i really like it enough. i tend to go toward romantic thrillers, where they have some mystery and romance involved. no matter what the genre, there must at least be a little romance to spice up the moment. hehe [sminut13]
when i was still in school,i usually go to the library to borrow books to read.but when i started working,i would go to a bookstore then purchased a nice book.. [melcahjone]
I love using the local library since I too read too much to be able to buy all the books I read. I have actually maxed out on the number of reserves you can have at one time before which is 28. [newar18]
i will often visit the library to get the books. mostly i will go to library to read weeklies and prefer for seminors. [deepat]
Hi maximax8! It is seldom that I do visit our library nowadays. Our library issues library cards and these has a minimal charge which is good for a year. With the library card, we can borrow any books. The books that I used to borrow before were all reference books needed in my research and studies. Take care always..God Bless! [faith210]
I am one of those people that never like to give a book I enjoy back. So to keep myself out of trouble I always just buy them. Of course this means I have to find the best buys which I do. [patms1]
We have a great library for a small town. I like mysteries, especially those who include cats and/or quilts in the stories. I also occasionally check out informational books about native trees or flowers and anything new about multiple sclerosis. Besides books to read, I check out audio books. [bellis716]
Yes i go to library to barrowed books.The library here is no near in my home only walking distance but im not go there cause i dont like much reading and i think its bad but cant help my self happyI dont go often in library i just go there if i need some books.That depend if what book i need then that will i get. [swennerholm]
I used to be a library rat when I was still studying. But when I was already working and until now that I am a fulltime housewife I haven't got time to visit one. I just thought yesterday that I should go to the public library here near us one of these days and apply for a library card, then I can visit the library and read books whenever I get a chance. I love reading literary books. [toni_nakama]
If you have children, you can get books to read to your children! lol [lordwarwizard]
Hello maximax, I definitely visit the library a lot. I am a very regular borrower of library books and I go there as soon as my current books are read. Over here, free library membership is a privilege of citizenship and our public libraries are very well stocked and relatively current. I normally focus on fantasy and science fiction. Cheers! lol [lordwarwizard]
Visiting library was a good remember of my school time,I went to library everyday,borrowed nearly all sort of books,such as travel, health, car, vogue, photo, as well as some financial books.Now,there's no library near my house,even in the downtown,my office is maybe 10 miles more from the library I knew.So,few time to visit now.LOL [tonytt2009]
It used to be free to join a library here in Calgary, too. So when I moved here 7 years ago and wanted to join one so I could rent some books to my surprise I was told when I went that it costs $85 a year to be a member. I was in total shock. I thought it was free. But now it isn't anymore and I think that the charge of $85 is way too much. It wouldn't cost me that much to buy the books I like to read since I usually buy them at a second hand book store. The book store I go to only charges $2.00 a book and when I bring in three used books I get one free. So for $85 I would be able to buy a lot of books, so I didn't join the library. It's just too bad that they have to charge so much. I thought that when we pay our taxes we were paying for a library. After all the libraries are funded by our government. So I don't go anymore. Alrighty then, talk to you later my friend, Your friend, Chris [chrislotz]
City libraries here are not good but the school libraries are. I love books but I don't read them. I don't know. I mean I read but it is too seldom. [keir3000]
I have stopped going to libraries long time back,But recently I have taken my daughter who is in the 7th grade to library and the lire was irresistible.I am taking some books for me too along with hers. [balasri]
I love, love our local public library and our country public library system. I'm usually at the library at least every two weeks to pick up books and audiobooks. They also have a great selection of good DVDs but since I have Netflix I don't really borrow them, but if you want free movies, getting them at the library is a great idea. I also use their online services where I manage my account, like renewing books, and requesting books that I want. They also deliver books straight at my doorsteps, so I adore that service. Furthermore, they are in relationship with other sites that allow us to download ebooks and audiobooks and use it for a certain period of time. With books getting expensive and money is tight, the library is a great substitute in feeding my book addiction. [wayz12]