I have always loved bookstores, but I’m finding myself being able to resist my former book buying binges because of library sales, paperbackswap, and bookmooch. I’m getting plenty spoiled by 50 cent trade paperbacks and, worst case, $2.50 or so for a pbs or bookmooch credit. I still have the urge sometimes, but I have resisted. The latest book I almost got was Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. I was about to succumb, but then the audio CD came available at the library so I’ve been listening to it and enjoying it very much.
If you use these sites as well, have you found that you’re less likely to buy books at the bookstore, or do you still buy as much as you did before discovering these sites?
These sites are my saviors. I buy new far less than I used to thanks to Bookmooch for the most part.
I know just what you mean! I hardly ever buy new anymore. Between my favorite local used bookstore, PBS, and the library, I can find just about anything I’m interested in reading. I also bought used for my daughters’ summer reading requirements, although I did have to search more for one book, which I found at alibris.com. I just can’t imagine paying retail now!
It’s rare when I buy a new book anymore. It seems only a great Borders coupon or gift cards will result in a new book purchase. Otherwise, it’s PBS, Bookmooch or the library for me. Or ARCs. =)
Jill
I buy WAY fewer books than I used to. I have so many in my TBR now and know that most things I want will eventually come my way that I don’t need to buy new. I did recently go on a credit spending spree at Paperbackswap but that doesn’t count. The only thing I buy now are crafting or quilting books that never come up on PBS.
In response to your TSS…
I don’t buy very books! People find that hard to believe because I read so much, but that’s exactly why I don’t purchase. I get my books from the library by putting them on hold online. I browse the big bookstores for my TBR list, as well as the internet, and I of course have my favorite authors/series that keep me busy.
The only “buying” I do is to go to the local Annie’s Book Swap. I get mysteries and some adventure/romances there, but by the time a book gets to PB I’ve usually read it.
I do, however, buy books for gifts all the time, and when I receive a book store gift certificate I of course use it. Usually on something for my classroom, not for me.
I still love new books and I lov emy local bookstore. There are fewer new books in the budget these days, but I dearly love them. Still, I am a regular at the library, I’ve been getting a lot of ARCs lately, and I don’t mind swapping books with fellow LibraryThingers. And, by coincidence, I’m listening to Unaccustomed Earth right now, too. Really good – I just keep hoping a glimmer of a happy ending.
I use those two sites and don’t buy nearly as many books as I used to. When I lived in Baltimore where there’s a freebook place, I didn’t buy any books at all! Now I only buy books that I really, really want to have and keep. For reading new titles, I always visit the public library!
I still buy quite a lot of books but I do tend to check out Bookmooch or Half Price Books first. I would love to buy all new books but that is just not in my budget.
I still mostly buy new books, a result of geography. Even at the used book stores here, the books are rather expensive. I’d usually rather spend a couple more dollars for a new book that isn’t all beat up. I keep saying it but I really should join bookmooch one of these days.
I never did buy many books new. Between PBS and the library I can find almost everything I need or want. I also frequent Salvation Army and my library’s used book store regularly to find treasures for under $2. New books are nice but more books for less is much better.
I have such a backlog of ARCs and TBRs that I have no problem waiting for BookMooch or PBS.
My husband and I created Book Sale Finder. Our library book sale expeditions go back to when our children were small – some 35 years ago! Because the books were such bargains, we let our kids buy as many as they wanted. It does take a bit more search when you want a specific book. MY problem is walking out with dozens I didn’t plan on! And it really is a wonderful fundraiser that helps provide libraries with things that taxes would not manage – making libraries better for us all! Win Win Win. Helen Oram
I am right beside you at the bookstore, let me tell you! There’s a thread on LibraryThing titled “Fear of Bookstores!” that deals with this very issue! AND yes! BookMooch and PaperBackSwap are definate boons to aid the bankrupt bookaholic
Lately, too, I’m finding ARCs to be even better, because now I’m reading the best sellers before they are even out 
Personally, since discovering library sales and book trading websites (I used to do paperbackswap and now I do bookmooch) I buy a lot fewer books at full price than I used to. I think the main reason is just that my TBR pile has increased so dramatically (I currently have at least 70 unread books) that I always feel guilty for even thinking of purchasing a book at full price when I KNOW it will be a long time before I ever get to reading it. On the other hand, I also go to libraries less, which is sort of sad for me.
Unfortunately for my checking account (and my general financial well-being)I will always be a bookstore hound. I like to browse. I’m pretty sure it’s compulsive, but if book-buying-binges are my cross to bear, I’ll bear them gladly.
I’m buying less for the very reason you are.. I’ve been sent so many ARCs that I can’t keep up!
I still buy tons of books for my kids, and for myself when I have a gift card to use.
I do buy fewer books than I did before discovering all the great alternatives out there these days but I still visit bookstores as often as I did in the past…and I still do buy quite a few new books from them.
I collect a few authors and always buy a pristine first edition copy of their work, regardless of the cost and I buy quite a few books on American history that aren’t likely to show up on the sites I frequent.
But, no doubt that I am acquiring more books than ever in the past and spending considerably less money to do it.
Hello! I get books all over the place, several from bookmooch (i haven’t used it enough to get tons of points) used bookstores, library sales, and borders with a coupon of course. I’ve tried to stop checking out books from the library because i have so many of my own i need to get through!
So no, I don’t buy less, probably more… cringe!
I love bookstores. I’d rather spend the afternoon browsing a good bookstore than just about anything.
So, even though I’ve been a library regular for many years, I require myself to buy at least one new book a month. Just one.
If you love something, you have to support it.
I buy many, many fewer books than I used to, before I discovered Bookmooch and ARCs. I still buy them once in a while, if it’s something Ihavetohave right away, or can’t find any other way, but it’s rare. Now I use my book shopping trips to find titles to put on Bookmooch!
I go in spurts between buying to my heart’s content at amazon.com (usually used, where the shipping’s more than the book), and going to the library. I think my biggest problem is not so much spending the money as storing the books.
I still buy many books, expecially YA and picture books where it’s difficult to get ARCs. If I loved a book I got from the library, I will usually buy it retail because I like to have it on hand in case I want to go back and reread a passage or lend it out to a friend. And I buy a ton of books as gifts.
I might buy less than I did before, but I’m fairly picky about used books. I like them to be in very good condition, so it limits what I can get off bookmooch. Also, I like to support Borders, which is my favorite bookstore.
i wish i bought less. i probably buy about 50% of what i read, but i try to get them in online clearance/bargain sales. some things i just can’t wait to read…and i know i’m going to loan them out. that’s how i justify. but it’s not a pretty sight.