I recently signed up to my local library, after living in the area for seven years- so why now you ask? Well I’ll tell you…
Books on Female First
It’s cheaper
I, like many others have an Amazon basket full of books I want to buy when I have the money. My books list was growing by the day and had I bought all the books on there, it would have costed me a small fortune. By going to your local library, you will save money on the postage cost and of course the cost of the book itself.
Use it or lose it
There are regular news stories about libraries closing because the locals aren’t making the most of all it has to offer. If you don’t want your library to succumb to the same fate- it’s important to pay it a visit once in a while. Even if you don’t want to hire a book- they often run reading groups and sessions for children that might be more fitting for you.
You have a deadline
If you buy a book you might read it, you might not- but it won’t accrue any fees if you don’t and you won’t have to get it reissued. This is how book piles are formed. With a library book, there is an incentive to read the book in a timely manner, as you’ve gone to all the effort to select it and pick it up you might as well get to the end of it.
You can order books in
If the library doesn’t stock it, they can order many books in for you at a small cost. I recently ordered two books in and it was just 50p for each- still far cheaper than buying a copy new or even preowned.
MORE: What does it mean to dream about a library?
Colin and Rebecca's Library Engagement
You meet other people
If you order all your books through a shopping site there is no interaction with anyone during this process. At least if you go to the library you have to get your books checked out by someone and it’s the perfect opportunity for some small talk. I found this hugely beneficial during my maternity when you generally don’t see many people during the daytime.
It helps reduce ‘the reading pile’
Many people admit to having a stack of books they will read one day but still haven’t got around to. By using your library, you can have a one-in-one-out system, so your bedside doesn’t look like the returns pile.
It’s the perfect solution for minimalists
Minimalism is hugely popular right now and for those who feel uncomfortable having shelves filled with books or see it as an unnecessary use of space. Libraries might appeal to minimalists more than ever as it saves a person having to worry about where to gift, send or donate the book after they’ve read it. It already has a home.
Tagged in Minimalism