I Am a Library Stalker

I know a bunch of people who received Kindles or Nooks for Christmas.  Now, these electronic reading tablets seem pretty cool.  I'll admit it.  You can buy books or magazines, download them on your device and go on your merry way. It's also a great way to be green since you don't actually buy a paper book.


But, guess what?  I have a secret.  Psst!  You can go to your public library and you can check out books. For. Free.  I know!  Scandalous!  Incredulous!  (This is also a way to go green as you are not buying the books, just borrowing them.)


I love my local library branch.  I like to get the newest fiction books in my favorite genres immediately.  I frequently check online to see if they have them.  If they don't have them, I submit an online "Book Request" form with my recommendations for them. Sometimes, I drive to the library just to make sure my book hasn't come in and I missed it.  I even like to grab the books off the shelf and smell the pages.  (Okay, I don't really do that last part.  What do you think I am a weirdo?! I wait until I get home to do that.) Ahem.


I imagine when the library personnel gets another "Book Request" form from me they might respond, "Oh great.  That MM lady had submitted another request.  This time is is only 10 books - a short list this time."


So, here is how my consortium with the library works.  I search online to see what new books are coming out this month.  Since I like teen fiction/dystopian society/paranormal romance, I like the Cincinnati Library, Teenreads, and Barnes and Noble Teen Books websites.


I make a list so I don't forget what I wanted to read in the first place.  (Mommy brain, don't you know?  It's like I have short term memory loss. I am hoping that.. Wait, what was I talking about?)  One website I really like is Goodreads. You can create a "To Read" list, as well as "Read" lists divided by genre and you can rate the books you have read.


Lastly, I search the library catalog online to see if they have my books.  If they do, I submit a "Hold Request" and they shoot me an email when my book has arrived.  If they don't have it, yep, you guessed it!  I submit a "Book Request" form.


I believe I may have passed on my "library stalker" habits to J.  Once we leave the house, he will say, "Can we go in to the library?  Can I get another truck/motorcycle/tractor book? Can I? Can I? PLEASE?!"


Do you prefer your Kindle or Nook to an actual book?  Do you love your library like I do? What say you?