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I choose Amazon because they are most likely to have everything I want. The shipping ends up being free if I only buy a couple items. Everything shows up at my door so it's convenient. There aren't any fabulous bookstores near where I live so this is the best option.
Library sales, thrift shop, Bukoos (they have books discounted 75%+), PBS. Occassionally I buy a new book from B&N if it is a gift or I need it quick for book club.
For specific titles I go to the library first, then to Amazon if I have to.
I'm dangerous in bookstores. We have a WORLD CLASS bookstore in downtown Denver (LoDo) called Tattered Cover Bookstore, an amazing multi-story temple to books. Last time I went there, I walked out with a SHOPPING BAG of books.
Our Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) in Colorado Springs is excellent, great people and service. I donate my used books (and quality magazines) to the Friends of PPLD organization, who run a re-sale bookstore in at least one of the local libraries, as well as large periodic sale events.
Interesting. Amazon is wonderful for finding pretty much anything. But I love half.com. Since finding that I try really hard never to pay full price. Garage sales can be great - but obviously it's hit and miss.
Mike - I understand. I have taken to bringing a set $ amount in my pocket into book stores. All credit cards and checks are left IN the car and parked a fair distance from the store. This way, if I go overboard I have time to reconsider. LOL
Location: Living near our Nation's Capitol since 2010
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I'm an avid user of the public library. It saves me an unbelievable amount of money every year. I read at least one book a week, often two, so to buy these books, I'd be broke all the time!! when I DO buy, its usually from Amazon. And when I buy there, I often see if there are any used copies available...great savings! When I am finished with a book I do buy, I recycle it either to friends or to a library book sale. Share the wealth!!
On another note, I am distresssed to hear in the news that one cut that is being made in local budgets is to libraries. If anything, now is time to INCREASE their allocations! They serve more and more people all the time, especially in this declining economy.
My city, Lincoln, Nebraska, has a fantastic city library system plus the University of Nebraska library and a couple others in local colleges and Tech colleges. I do like to hit the garage sales in early spring and buy technical manuals or hardback books that I want to collect. I just cannot afford to buy books at retail stores. I read so much that I would have to be a billionaire to feed my habit. TGFL (Thank God For Libraries).
I use the library! Our library is small( our town pop is just around 9000) however, a new library is set to open in august. they don't always have the book you want on the shelf, but using the inter-library loan process is just as easy. they can get me a book from any other library and send me an email when it it available. Also, they have an automatic list for certain authors..bestsellers etc. once you are on that list, they put you in the mix for any new books that come out. Also, I am a member of our library friends group and help with used book sales and other fundraising activities. The biggest issue facing our library is a referendum to increase the operational fund. It has failed 9 times! in 2004, the public passed the referendum to construct the new library, however, they did not pass the referendum to increase the operations fund. I don't know why people would think you could build a new building that is 4 times larger and not need more money to staff it, turn on the utilities and buy the books to fill the shelves!
Amazon, always have what I'm looking for and prices are prettygood.
Libraries are great if you don't mind waiting sometimes, but I'm impatient I want to read a certain book when I want too. Not be put on a waiting list.
I do recycle my books though, when I'm finished I UPS them to my sister and when she is done she passes them on.
A few that I know I will want to reread down the line I keep.
Libraries have an amazing amount of services to offer, not just loaning books and video's, and I urge everyone I can to avail themselves of these services. There are private collections you can only see in person and not check out; their are photo and other collections of a local historical nature, and one of my favorite services is that "inter-library loan" thing where they can get books from other libraries anywhere in the country and loan it to you. Our library system here in COLO SPGS runs FREE classes in many topics, including all of the business/investment capabilities assembled in our main library (an old Carnegie building!!!) by Terry B., the Business Librarian. I've even done some research at the Library of Congress in downtown DC, an awesome place.
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