Why do I collect books?

Why don’t I just get rid of a book after I read it. What’s the point in keeping it, especially if I don’t plan on reading it again? Why don’t I just check books out from the library?

All valid questions. Why do I collect books? Some people collect coins, some people collect dolls, others collect kitchen appliances, I collect books (among other things) I admire them just as others may admire their stamp collection or G.I Joe collection.

I could say I collect them so my son and possibly other children and grandchildren will have a wonderful library to read from. The thought of that does make me happy, but even if I had no children I would still collect books.

I’ve collected books since I can remember. I have always wanted my own copies it wasn’t enough to borrow. Sure I read books from the library, but I preferred my own. I always kept great care of my books so that books I had read usually still looked unread.

Book fairs used to make me tingle with excitement. LOL! The thought of all those books in one place. I loved them. Of course the Scholastic Fliers that were sent home were another highlight. I would lovingly peruse the flier picking out books to buy. I spent most of my allowance money on books, and always asked for books for Christmas and my Birthday.

Now don’t get me wrong. I did other things as a child, I loved to dance, loved movies, played with Barbies, but books were always there. I remember many nights lying away reading the night away while I was supposed to be sleeping. There really is nothing like being caught up in a good book.

So now here I am, 28, and still reading, still collecting. I mourn for the books I’ve lost through the years, it makes me sad to think of books I used to have. ( yes I know that sounds pathetic, but it’s true. LOL) Every now and again I go to the library and check books out, but I always end up buying the ones I liked and I’d just rather have my own to start with. I will buy used books in good condition, but nothing beats the smell of a new book. When I was a kid I loved the smell of libraries and book stores, well… I still do.

I DO get rid of books. In fact I’m in the middle of a big purge right now. I don’t have a real solid test to determine what books to keep and what to get rid of, but generally if I liked it (even if I don’t plan on re-reading it) I keep it. If I didn’t like it, I get rid of it. LOL! Of course it’s not that cut and dry, but it’s the gist of it.

So half my shelves may be filled with books I may never read again, my son may never read them, but when I look at them they make me happy. They are like old friends, they evoke emotions and feelings that I had while reading them. They are part of who I am.