I set myself a little book reading challenge this year and I’ve exceeded my own expectations! We’re now in November and I’m set to read 2 more books before the year’s out, making me 3 over my goal! I’m really pleased with this because in simple terms, it means that I’ve rekindled an old habit and hobby of reading actual books.
My ‘want to read’ virtual pile
When I come across one that lures me in online, when I’ve seen one recommended by someone else online or in real-life, or if there’s one to read for one of the book clubs I take part in, I pop it in my GoodReads ‘want to read’ virtual pile and then I add it to Amazon to my ‘save for later’ pile. You could say I’m getting a little obsessed with reading again and that the reading bug has bitten. Which is great!

A library lesson learned
One of those ‘on a whim’ reads that lured me in was ‘Perfect Death’ by Helen Fields. Now, I borrowed this one from our local library and got a bit lazy about renewing it. So lazy that I found it had been reserved when I went to renew. Not one to go and buy a book when I’m trying to stick to borrowing, I duly returned it and re-reserved it! But there are (or were) 4 people in the queue, potentially a 12 week waiting list because you can renew them 3 times, for 3 weeks at a time. You might think I’m a little crazy and why on earth don’t I just buy it? Well possibly because I’m a little stubborn and annoyed with myself and also because I’ve got lots of other books on my list to read. Did I log on to my library account or pop down there in person? Well no actually… and this situation got me to thinking about the pros and cons of borrowing from a library:
The books are free! (unless you get a fine!)
You get the feel-good factor of doing something for the community by helping to keep your local library running. It’s the whole library experience.
The author/publisher still gets their royalties.
The anticipation of your reserved book being ready for collection.
You’re under more pressure to read regularly to avoid the pitfalls I’ve outlined above of having to return your book!
…and 5 reasons not to use your library…
You have to read in a given time-frame which might not always suit because sometimes life just gets in the way.
If it’s reserved, you can’t renew your book (looks shiftily at her feet).
It’s not your book to keep and put on your ‘read’ shelf or to lend to a friend or get the feel-good of giving to a charity shop.
You don’t get the just bought from the bookshop/just delivered to your door fuzziness.
Your reading habit could become a semi-expensive habit!
~
So there are pros and cons but do the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa?
What do you think? I’d love to know! Please comment below… thanks 🙂
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