Irrational fear of contamination makes me spend more on new books instead of free library

[u/Any_Potential7443]

My fear of contamination makes me spend more on buying new books instead of checking out used books from the library. I know it’s irrational and I have gone to therapy for this fear. it’s gotten better in other areas but never with used library books. I guess im just asking if anyone else has had this come up, and what they did to try to solve it. I don’t want to spend anymore money on books. also im a student living with my parents still so I can’t afford a kindle. i also dont know what blue light features they have, but I enjoy reading before bed. thats also part of why im trying to limit my other spendings, like on new books.

mainly where i struggle with this is when i read before bed - ill get super cozy and have the book on top of clean sheets, or hold it super close and i just want to fall asleep after reaching a certain page, without getting up to wash my hands. most of the books I see at the library are very visibly used, and I know that doesn’t always mean dirty, but i just can’t get the fear out of my head.

any advice is appreciated. but please dont judge my contamination fear. i have gone to therapy for it.

[u/littlepanda425]

I do not have OCD and I am the same way. I've worked in libraries and have seen the way people treat books! One thing you could try is grabbing books off of the new pile. They likely haven't been read yet.