In the last year or two I have gone back to my local library and read more of the books there. I've joined a couple of library reading challenges and I've committed to checking on the library before I buy type of policy for myself - this year.
I am not super demanding on the shape the book is in, but I like it to be reasonably clean and in good condition. Recently I reserved one - from another library - because I had been recommended the author and I thought I'd try her out. I took the book home, examined it, thought yes okay, then no. It was a large paperback and just not clean enough for me.
Today same story, I wanted to read the next In Death book before the end of the month as I wanted to move on to a TBR March pile challenge. So I decided I'd read Portrait in Death from the library and duly put a reserve on it - again from another library. I took it to the car and just felt - yuck. I decided to take it home, and not be a wuss. Then I opened it, viewed it, and thought no, can't do it, I'll just have to buy the ebook edition. I like my reading to be a pleasant experience. If I was a librarian I'd be moving it out.
Do you ever come across a book at the library you think to yourself - No!
Ah, yes! I've come across a few gross books at the library. Most of them are in great shape, but once in a while - eww! I especially dislike water damage or strong smells.
ReplyDeleteI think I had bad luck with two from other libraries! When you can see them on the shelf I know what I'm picking.
DeleteSince I started my book blog, I try to use the library, before buying now. I've noticed the same about my response to the condition of books. I am so happy when they are in great condition. I will return them if they are too beat up and purchase instead.
ReplyDeletePat you make me feel much better! I guess I tried and that's what counts.
DeleteAs someone who is a bit (ok, a lot) of a freak about my book condition, this is just ewwww! I don't break the spines on my books when I read them, they look brand new when I'm done, so I just can't read a book like this. I do occasionally go to the library, but I will only take out books that look fairly unused. This would definitely be one of my book problems :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I like a book to look cared for and be clean when I read, which books can be after many readings I think. I think really libraries should be more pro active about book conditions - I have seen books less beaten up put out to library book sales.
DeleteI've brought home books that have immediately went back. Smells and stains are deal breakers for me. I have been lucky lately and get books in very good condition.
ReplyDeleteDeal breakers with me too Nise. This one isn't smelly or stainy but its old and when opened the pages are sort of falling out. Dirt down the side on the leaves is another one for me. I can't understand why they leave them on the shelves.
DeleteEww, I've been lucky with my book borrows, most have been in really good condition. I handed one in that needed repairs and decided not to borrow one that smelt disgusting ... bad smells I can't do lol
ReplyDeleteUsually I have good luck with them but just struck a couple lately. Mostly ones I put on reserve and haven't seen. I did that with Juliet Marillier book that you recommended but sent it back - too grubby. I think I will get it as an ebook. Haven't come across any with bad smells - thank goodness. Eww indeed!
DeleteI do the same thing where I check out library books before buying them. Our library is pretty strict about damaged books, though. I know because my kids can be a little tough on them and we have had to buy a few!
ReplyDeleteOuch! Damaged books I understand but wear and dirt - I think its time then to discard! Others have mentioned smell too - fortunately not come up against that but now I am aware I bet I do!!
DeleteThis is funny because I've never really thought much about it before. I'm super picky about the condition of my own books, but it doesn't bother me to read a library book that's not in great condition. I've never returned one because of the condition. Now I'm going to be thinking about it and wondering if it's gross, though! LOL!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
It is only recently that I have noticed a few that have been beyond my bounds, which is great. However I do want to enjoy my reading so when they are too grubby back they now go!
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