Fannish Fifty: The Library

[smallhobbit]

I am a great fan of our local library.  The library itself isn't that large, but it's possible to reserve books from throughout the county, so the scope is considerably bigger.  While I do buy books, occasionally new, more frequently cheap second-hand, where possible I will borrow them from the library.

Apart from saving me money, there are other benefits.  Firstly I can borrow books which have only been issued as hardbacks.  Secondly, if I don't like a book I can return it without any sense of having wasted money - so no feeling that I must finish it, which then feels like time wasted.  Just because I don't like a book doesn't mean it's not a good book, just not for me.  Authors receive a small payment for every book borrowed, so they don't miss out, even if I didn't like it.

For the same reason I can read more widely because I can try genres and authors I wouldn't try otherwise.  I've made some great discoveries that way.  

And if I use the library regularly then it all helps to keep it open and available for everyone.  And I'm pleased to say that Mini Hobbit's Daddy takes her to their library every Saturday morning.

The one downside is known by every library user: if you place reservations at separate times you can guarantee all the books will still arrive together.  If it's a popular book with a long waiting list I add myself to it immediately, because there's nothing like being number 126 in the queue.  And also as soon as a new title of one of my favourite but perhaps more obscure, authors  is shown as 'on order' my name is also on the list, with the hope that I will be the first person to borrow the book in the county.

And yes, two requests placed at the end of September (both very popular new books) plus two at the end of October and they all arrived within two weeks.  

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yay for libraries!!

[smallhobbit]

One of my favourite places!

[snowynight]

I love libraries, but reservation can be a problem if the book is too popular or obscure.

[smallhobbit]

I've had to wait six months occasionally for something which is very popular - although they do tend to buy more copies when that happens. Our library system means we can check where books are, so whether we are likely to get hold of a copy.

[snowynight]

Our library system allows us to get hold of books on shelf in other libraries and let you check where they're too. There was a time that I wait so long that I traveled to that library to find the copy

[smallhobbit]

Some of our community libraries don't support reservations, which would mean going to borrow the book.

[snowynight]

Aw, reservation will make it easier.

[galadhir]

Ah, going to the library as a child was such a comforting thing! I loved being there in the warmth, sitting on cushions and buried under all those big, thin books with the lovely coloured pictures. And then again when I was a teen, coming away with six books a week and making my way through their entire SF/F section. I can't seem to make it into town when our local library is open, but I'm going to give it another try.

[smallhobbit]

I had the problem of not being able to get to the library when it was open for some years, but as soon as I reduced my hours I joined up and have used it ever since.

[debriswoman]

Well worth supporting libraries. You really seem to make the most of yours:-)

[smallhobbit]

I do try to keep the librarians occupied :)

[howsmyenglish]

Good to see that there's a new book by Kate Atkinson, though! I didn't know. Thanks! :D

[smallhobbit]

I hope you enjoy it!

[apachefirecat]

I've always been a library fan. I spent some of my happiest times at one of our local libraries, and now, as an adult, I'm a regular at two other local libraries (we rarely go to the town where the one I attended as a child is). However, I did NOT know that the authors receive a penchant every time they have a book checked out! That is VERY good to know!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it's not a lot per book, but they do benefit.

[therealsnape]

I love our local library. I hope the relocation they talk about will take a long, long time, for the current location is so beautiful.

But yes, you want something, and then it all arrives at once. I'd be interested to hear what you think of the Rickman diaries. I read an article that offered excerpts. Didn't rush to the shop at once, but perhaps the whole is more interesting.

Also, glad the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy postmen.

[smallhobbit]

I knew very little about Alan Rickman before I read the diaries and definitely learnt more from his perspective. I'd say it was worth reading, but not sure whether it would be worth buying, unless possibly secondhand. There's not much about Harry Potter and quite a lot of where he'd eaten and with who. Also a lot of travelling.

And yes!

ETA: There's a positive response in the comment below!

[rusty_armour]

I think it's wonderful that you and your family make such good use of your local libraries. I really should use mine more often. Since Covid, I've been mostly borrowing books online, which has been extremely convenient. However, it's been a while since I signed anything out. When I've worked through my backlog of paper books, I'm going to reserve some books I've been wanting to read for a while now.

BTW, I received a copy of Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries for Christmas, and I've found it a really interesting read. Actually, I'm hoping to finish it this week so I can lend it to my mom when I see her next weekend.

[smallhobbit]

I have a mix of my own books and library books, and try to keep them in balance.

I finished Madly Deeply earlier this week - it is interesting, but it's another book I'm glad I borrowed rather than owned. Definitely worth reading - I learnt quite a lot about him.

[verdande_mi]

I love libraries :D And I use my local one often, and the one in the town I work, both for books and to attend talks about different topics. I have to books waiting for me now, but I couldn't be bothered to leave the house for anything but groceries today.

[smallhobbit]

Yay for using libraries. I had one book waiting for me today, but in my case I had a quiet day so I walked in to get it - it was quite a nice day for a walk.