Anonymous
Post 01/13/2026 11:58     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:I use the library and read on my kindle. I read between 50-75 books a year. So just from a financial standpoint, it makes sense for me to borrow books rather than purchase them. If I bought 50 books a year, I would easily spend $5000 or more. I have multiple library cards which means I can keep up to 30 books on hold. A book is always coming available from my holds so I have no shortage of books to read. While it’s true there can be a long wait for a brand new book, I’m ok waiting a few months. If I really want to read a book right away or the library doesn’t offer a copy, I will purchase but that happens maybe once a year. I do want to support authors but the libraries are purchasing copies of the books and they purchase more copies when they see an increased demand.


How would it cost you $5000 to buy 50 books a year? That's $100 a book.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2026 11:19     Subject: Library vs Buying
I buy a ton of used books. The high schools around Bethesda (plus I imagine many other locations) have fantastic used book sales and the local libraries have used books for sale as well. At $10/bag or $1/book I can grab things that look interesting, not worry about return windows, and you'd be surprised how many recent books are available. I also do take out a good amount of library loans and buy books full price too if they are very promising.
Anonymous
Post 01/13/2026 06:58     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:A secret if you like Libby and have an e reader. I've noticed that as long as I stay in the book, even after it's been returned, I can finish the book. If you go to the home screen it yanks it. This is true on both my Paperwhite and early model kindle.


Ma’am, just put your kindle in airplane mode like the rest of us.


I've found airplane mode doesn't always work. Sometimes if you go to the homescreen it will pull the book, even in airplane mode.

That doesn’t make a bit of sense. It would have to connect to WiFi to do that, and airplane mode is not connected.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 23:57     Subject: Library vs Buying
I get desperate on Libby and hoopla. I also love audio books. They’re the best for my commute and when I’m doing chores. I wish the library had more.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 23:36     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:A secret if you like Libby and have an e reader. I've noticed that as long as I stay in the book, even after it's been returned, I can finish the book. If you go to the home screen it yanks it. This is true on both my Paperwhite and early model kindle.


Ma’am, just put your kindle in airplane mode like the rest of us.


I've found airplane mode doesn't always work. Sometimes if you go to the homescreen it will pull the book, even in airplane mode.


Nonsense. There needs to be be WiFi or cellular data connected
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 22:08     Subject: Library vs Buying
Libraries are a public good and I think they need my support more than an individual author does, so about 90% of my reading is library books (and like others I place holds before books are released, use six cards, and check the “lucky day” shelves when I am in the library in person if i want something very new.) I have not found myself “falling behind” new releases.

But— I gift between 50-70 books per year, and have made many of those gift book discoveries in the library (for example my go to “book baby shower” author is now Kaya Doi) so the library is still an incredible benefit to authors.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 20:12     Subject: Library vs Buying
I retired in June. I was a librarian. Bought the latest and greatest with taxpayer money, read it and then put in library. Damn I miss that. Now I buy, borrow and listen on Spotify.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 19:42     Subject: Library vs Buying
I use the library and read on my kindle. I read between 50-75 books a year. So just from a financial standpoint, it makes sense for me to borrow books rather than purchase them. If I bought 50 books a year, I would easily spend $5000 or more. I have multiple library cards which means I can keep up to 30 books on hold. A book is always coming available from my holds so I have no shortage of books to read. While it’s true there can be a long wait for a brand new book, I’m ok waiting a few months. If I really want to read a book right away or the library doesn’t offer a copy, I will purchase but that happens maybe once a year. I do want to support authors but the libraries are purchasing copies of the books and they purchase more copies when they see an increased demand.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:59     Subject: Library vs Buying
I'm a library user, but when I really love a book, I buy it afterwards to support the author.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:31     Subject: Re:Library vs Buying
I read 94 books last year and 36 were from the library. The rest were largely from library sales for $1-2, gifts, borrowed from friends, or the occasional new purchase from an author I really love. I also read a lot of classics and many of those are available for free on kindle.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:26     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:A secret if you like Libby and have an e reader. I've noticed that as long as I stay in the book, even after it's been returned, I can finish the book. If you go to the home screen it yanks it. This is true on both my Paperwhite and early model kindle.


Ma’am, just put your kindle in airplane mode like the rest of us.


I've found airplane mode doesn't always work. Sometimes if you go to the homescreen it will pull the book, even in airplane mode.


How do you think that happens?
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:22     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:A secret if you like Libby and have an e reader. I've noticed that as long as I stay in the book, even after it's been returned, I can finish the book. If you go to the home screen it yanks it. This is true on both my Paperwhite and early model kindle.


Ma’am, just put your kindle in airplane mode like the rest of us.


I've found airplane mode doesn't always work. Sometimes if you go to the homescreen it will pull the book, even in airplane mode.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:17     Subject: Library vs Buying
Anonymous wrote:A secret if you like Libby and have an e reader. I've noticed that as long as I stay in the book, even after it's been returned, I can finish the book. If you go to the home screen it yanks it. This is true on both my Paperwhite and early model kindle.


Ma’am, just put your kindle in airplane mode like the rest of us.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 18:09     Subject: Re:Library vs Buying
No, I do not purchase new books.
I see what is available with no waiting on Libby and get my books that way.
I can wait a year, or ten years, for the library wait list on the latest bestseller to die down. Meanwhile whatever was the latest bestseller a year ago, or ten years ago, is available with no wait.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 16:38     Subject: Library vs Buying
I can't imagine paying $19 for a new paperback book. I buy used from the thrift store or from ebay. College textbooks too they were all used.