The Yogis are a family of readers. We read a lot, we read lots of different kinds of stuff. We also like to go to bookstores and look at books. We don’t buy very many though. Why? Because they are expensive that’s why. Especially new hardbound books, The list price can be up close to $30. Sure you can get them discounted but only to about 50% to 60% of list.
Or you can buy paperbacks. Trade size paperbacks though are pushing $20 in some cases. Or you can wait and buy the smaller paperbacks. If your eyes are good and you are happy reading “last years books.”
I’m spoiled, I like to read newly published books. I don’t want to wait. I’m also cheap! How do I resolve all these traits? I use the library. In Tulsa County we have the Tulsa City County Library. Once you get a library card you can reserve books way in advance on their web site. They email you once they are ready and you go get them. Its easy and its FREE!!
Below is a screen shot of my current waiting list. (Sorry for the poor quality, I played with Paint and Corel Draw and this is as good as it gets, for me.) You can see I have about 14 books I’m waiting on. They’ll come in about one every two weeks or so. Every Sunday I get on the New York Times Web Site and check out what is coming up. If I see something I like I add it to my list. That’s how I come to find out about Richard Russo’s new book “That Old Cape Magic.” that I ordered today.
Final thought – You might as well use the library. You are paying for it anyway!
Question of the Day – Do you use the library, why or why not?
We too have a wonderful library here. It’s really a social hub, which is a cool thing.
The library rocks. It’s such an undervalued community asset. Our family does the library every week. Our favorite is Central downtown, but we also frequent the Helmrich Library on 91st street.
I visit the library at least once every two weeks, and check out 3 books at a time, on average. The library in our little town isn’t great, but the librarians do a good job of choosing an interesting selection.
@Sandy Carlson – The libraries in Tulsa have lots going on. I think the people who use them, use them a lot. Those who don’t, don’t ever go in them.
@Jeff – I’m in the downtown library a lot. I work only a couple blocks away. We also go the Hardesty branch a bunch.
@When I lived in small towns the librarians were awesome on getting a varied selection of material.
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Lam fam visits the library once a week–every Monday morning. We LOVE it–the kids love it, I love it. The best thing is when the kids ask what day it is and I tell them Monday and they say “YAY! Library day!” Have I told you my latest strategy in choosing the book I’m going to read?
I wish we have a library system like that over here. It sounds very good.and yes you are right new books are very expensive..
I love going to the Hardesty Library. One of my favorite things to do is check out DVDs and CDs. Can’t beat a free DVD rental. Much better than Blockbuster.