We’re moving in a couple weeks (the first time since I was 9 years old), and I’ve been going through my library of 3000+ books, choosing the books that I could bear to part with and NOT have to pack to move. Which made me wonder…
When’s the last time you weeded out your library? Do you regularly keep it pared down to your reading essentials? Or does it blossom into something out of control the minute you turn your back, like a garden after a Spring rain?
Or do you simply not get rid of books? At all? (This would have described me for most of my life, by the way.)
And–when you DO weed out books from your collection (assuming that you do) …what do you do with them? Throw them away (gasp)? Donate them to a charity or used bookstore? SELL them to a used bookstore? Trade them on Paperback Book Swap or some other exchange program?
I have a huge problem parting with my books. I joined 'bookcrossing' so I can part with them and feel good about it, but I have yet to leave a book lying around. If anything, I pick up books that others leave lying around. There is someone in my apartment building who leaves books in the lobby for others to take. Guess who is the first one there?
I don't think I've ever really weeded. The last time I got rid of any books was when my 2nd husband and I split. I got rid of all of his books. I have never taken them to the library for donation, or the Salvation Army for that matter. I haven't counted how many books I have, but let's say it is close to, if not over 3,000. I have one huge book shelf that is overstuffed, one small one, one rolling cart, books in boxes.
Want to take a peak? OK, you've been warned. This is just about 1/3 of what I own.
My SHELVES from Hell
I have since fixed them up slightly, so it isn't such a mess, but I didn't get rid of anything.
16 comments:
HAHA, your 'my shelves from HELL' link made me giggle. Sounds like your other clearout was a cathartic one.
3000 is certainly deliciously crazy! I have noticed you have Bird by Bird by Lamott. I wonder if you read it and what you thought. I did and I laughed a lot, she's a very funny writer.
My shelves too are like that, I think!
Booking Through Weeding
Lilly, yes I read Bird by Bird, about 17 years ago. Yeah, see what I mean? I need to weed. I loved that book, that will be one I keep!
Oh goodness, I have a hard time parting with books, too! My only consolation is that if I pretty much hated them, I don't ever want to see them again! haha. You do have a ton of books, but I take that as a definite sign that you're awesome! :)
OMG! That is chaos! =) When you buy new books do you ever remember whether or not you have that same book at home? Great answer.
Vasilly
classicvasilly...the answer is 'not usually'. If you look hard you will see a book that I have a duplicate of, however, in my defense, the 2nd version is updated and expanded. LOL! :D
I know what I have believe it or not. I hardly by the same book twice. That has only happened twice in my life.
CAN I COME OVER?!!! I see books on your shelf I want to reach out and grab! LOL
Here's mine...
Lynne's Letters
Have a great day!
That is hilarious. I want to see a picture of your TBR next to the bed, lol. You have great humour the books thrown out were with ex hubby hahaha
http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2009/10/booking-through-thursday-weeding-your.html
I can definitely relate to your shelves from Hell - my books are all over the place, not just on shelves but just about any open surface too in my bedroom.
I can relate to the shelves! I have never counted mine -- wonder how many I have.
I've left you a comment on your 'shelves' LOL Couldn't resist!
I can't get rid of anything either, without being forced.
Hey, I'm doing the read-a-thon - if you visit my blog, pop in and leave a message (click on the Read-a-thon pic) -- that way I will be able to remember who is also joining in, and will be able to support you, too!) I might be doing a mini-challenge, too.
Lately I've only given away cook books - but maybe, in hindsight that might have been a mistake! LOL
Here are my answers for Booking Through Thursday
Sorry about the essay!
Sassy
:)
And I thought I had lots of books!!!
I get rid of the ones that I absolutely don’t like, the ones that I rate as “Toss” in reviews. I tend to keep books that are of literary artistry.
Hey, where did you get pictures of my bookshelves??? Oh, never mind! Isn't it grand!
I LOVE your "Shelves from Hell." They are truly a thing of beauty!
My BTT is HERE
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