I take a book out of the library. I really enjoy reading it and then what do I do? I return the book.
I don’t think about it twice.
You read, enjoy (or not) and move on.
Why isn’t it the same for books we have purchased? Why do we feel the need to keep them? Why not give them away when we’re done to the nearest book lover?
It makes sense to keep resource books – one needs to refer to them and reread them.
It makes sense to keep children’s books. Children like to hear the same stories over and over again. Hopefully I’ll have grandchildren one day to read the books my boys liked when they were small (though I keep giving them to my little nieces and nephews so they might not survive till then!).
It makes sense to keep a book that was a gift from a very special person. Or a book that touched you so deeply you know you must read it again.
But other books?
I’m very indecisive on the topic. I’m always trying to talk to people about books and then lending books to them. Sometimes I don’t get the books back. Sometimes I just give them away.
Part of me is proud that I’m not flooding the house with books. I grew up in a house like that! Too many books! But then another part of me remembers the book and wonders why it isn’t on my shelves.
I’m pleased when people return books but often (even within a week!) I’ve lent them out again!
Mind you, we have three large bookcases of books in the living room (and each boy has one in his room!). But that’s it!
What do you do?