Used Book Love
By Jenn (TinyChoices.com) | April 21, 2009
We’ve written before about the earth-huggin’ benefits of using the local library, which is really the most eco choice for obtaining books and movies you’ll read and watch only once– made even more eco if you walk or cycle to the library, rather than drive the Hummer. Not that ya’ll own Hummers.
But, some of us are just not good at libraries. Some of us have deeply rooted library book-returning problems stemming from childhood. Some of us accept our limitations and and stay far away from the institution which seems to cost us $40 every time we walk through the doors. Sigh.
So, I buy used books instead. Practically any book which can be bought new can also be found used, even titles which have been recently released. Usually I end up paying just a few dollars for a book, which is certainly better than the price most new books go for these days– plus, I get to browse and wander and peruse the aisles at a used book store, which is one of the best ways to spend some time.
There are times when I’ll purchase a used book online, if I can’t find it IRL. This, of course, adds shipping pollution to the equation, but it’s at least still better than buying the book new. To put this into perspective, according to the Green Press Initiative “…the entire book industry, through all steps of production, retail, and publishing activities, emits a net 8.85 pounds (of CO2) per book.” The good folks over at BookFinder.com did a footprint analysis of the online purchase of a used book and concluded: “…a total of about 1.7 lbs of CO2 per used book purchased online in our example… meaning you’d save over 7 lbs of CO2 buying that book used.”
Another option is to borrow books from friends, either informally or through a system such as the Lending Library Facebook app. A wise tip I recently learned from a friend is to keep a check-out card handy, so you’ll be able to track down the title later on. (Sidenote: if whoever I lent my copies of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Blink to is reading this, would you please return them?)
Oh, and then there’s the newfangled high-tech way to read books, on an e-reader such as the Amazon Kindle
What’s your favorite way to get your read on?
[Image by Faeryann via Creative Commons]
Topics: Books | 20 Comments »
I use Swaptree.com. Granted, it’s being shipped around the country, it’s still better than buying a new book.
Also!! You can actually buy Kindle books for your iPhone too. My husband bought his last two books that way and enjoys reading from it.
Wow, swaptree.com looks awesome– free swapping of books & music, and you can print the postage at your computer to avoid the post office nightmare– thanks, SuzyCat!
And, good to know about the iPhone/Kindle connection. Between all those cool veg apps and this, if I ever purchase an iPhone, I’ll be golden! :)
Swaptree is great! I wish there was a way to limit your trading to a certain distance away, though.
I bet if you suggested that to the owners they’d consider it… :)
i have started to get over my fear of the library due to finances (only cost me $2 last time), and i found that they have a free/just take box, too! and since i am trying to eliminate stuff, i past these books on to a hospital library when i finish them.
Glad to hear you’re overcoming your libraryphobia… I’ve been thinking about giving it another shot, too. I mean, rationally, it doesn’t sound so difficult– how hard could it be? :)
My library makes it very easy to renew online, so hooray for that! I only started going a couple months ago but I’m making it a habit. I used Swaptree before that, but going to the post office is harder for me than going to the library.
I see swaptree was mentioned… another good one to check out is bookmooch.com.
*hanging head in shame* … i just bought a brand new book at whole foods the other day. i was wooed … it happens.
i love the library idea and am inspired to bring that institution back into my life.
thanks TC.
I’m known as library girl among my friends. My first response to where can I get it – the library. I use two public libraries [the Denver metro area has a library sharing system -- you don't have to live in a county to have that a library card for that county] so it can be a little confusing keeping straight what books need to go where and when. However, both libraries will email you a reminder that a title is due back soon and both have online renewal options. As well, my libraries have downloadable audio books, ebooks, and videos. No worries about returns there.
The Kindle e-reader app works on iPod Touch as well and there are free titles available. Very pleasant to read and easy to carry. The instant download feature is amazing. There are other ebook apps as well and with some you can access lots of free material — such as the Gutenberg Project.
Pretty much the only time I buy books is for travel so I don’t worry about losing a library book. When I’m done I pass it on to a fellow traveler or leave it in the designated share-a-book space in train stations and the like.
However, I am sorry that my reading habits don’t support small publishers and independent bookstores as much as I’d like to so when I buy a book I usually do buy it new.
I love PaperBack Swap, myself. I’ve scored some pretty great stuff there.
(Hi! I think this is my first comment here. Maybe? :))
Hi Elizabeth B! We’re glad you’re here. :)
We just launched a web app that makes it easier, safer and more fun for you to share your resources (like books, tools, toys, etc.) with your friends. Our software is simple and easy to use, but it can make a real difference for you, your friends and the rest of the planet. I hope you’ll check it out at http://www.sharonimo.com and let us know what you think.
Warm regards,
Jon Andrews
Co-founder and CEO
Sharonimo
Charity stores seem to be best for classics, though it has to be the library for up to date IT books. (Which are out of date so fast, there is no point in buying them.)
I’ll admit I’m a library person, but for years a good friend of mine across the country and I will ship our books to each other 1-2 times a year. It’s fun, allows us to clean out, and gives us something new to think about!
I work at a library, so it’s good to hear that people are interested in using a fabulous public service! And really – don’t be too intimidated. Usually you can call in on the phone and renew your books, or do it online to help keep the fines down. And don’t be embarrassed to come in and pay – it happens to the best of us. :)
And I’m glad to see a mention for Paperbackswap.com – I love it! It does involve shipping, but it’s a really great way to get rid of old books and get new ones. I’ve gotten some next-to-brand-new books that way. They also encourage you to check out more books from the same member, so that they can combine the books in one package.
I love a good used bookstore- The Dusty Bookshelf (locations in lawrence and manhattan, ks that I know of) is my favorite. They’re the best I have ever been in…I keep looking for good used bookstores but I’ve yet to find any others I love as much. The library is good for first time readings, browsing for new material and manuals but…I love owning books. I read them til they are worn out!
Do you have a favorite used book store?
You can find good books sometimes in unusual places. I always keep an eye out for books…I once found a first edition Good Omens at a Goodwill store for $1! <3
I love the Dusty Bookshelf and go every time I visit my sister at KU. Yay!
Paperbackswap is my favorite. I used to feel so guilty buying new books because I”d read them too fast and then had them laying around my house afterwards. Mailing them out makes me feel so much less guilt
[...] the Tiny Choosers we are, many of us already borrow instead of buy, repair what’s broken, buy used items, and then limit our purchases to what we feel we really need or want. This isn’t a [...]