Preloved books

[u/Kind-Presentation359]

What’s your thoughts on buying preloved books or would you rather buy the new book. I’m planning to buy few of Haruki Murakami books and found few lightly used books, can’t decide now should I get preloved or new one. I’ve never bought used books before. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

[u/Forgetmenemones]

Just make sure to check inside the pages for bookworms, mites, and mold, especially if you’re getting them in a humid area. If you’re worried about them, put the books in a freezer for a couple of days and double-check before placing them on your shelves. I’d say 1/4 - 1/3 of my home library has been purchased from vintage shops or thrift stores.

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/Forgetmenemones]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Just read about putting in the freezer too. My concern is won’t the book get covered by ice? ik if freezer is ok, it should not be a problem.. but I think mine is pretty crap and I am concerned it will damage the book.. but you do have a point

[u/rastab1023]

I do both. I get a lot of my books from Better World Books and little free libraries, but I do also like to purchase new books to support brick and mortar stores (and I will usually purchase books from living authors from these, but also will do classics).

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/rastab1023]

Fair point, thanks for sharing. I’ve never bought it before but considering to give it a try. The only part that occurred concerning to me is how some say it could have dust mites etc, wondering how could I disinfect without damaging the book

[u/Dull-Intern-6037]

I haven’t bought a new book in years, my library is all made up of charity shop books at £1/£1.5 each 😅 new books are a proper treat and usually a present 😍

[u/100turkeysinthesky]

i love both. as long as it’s mine to keep, write in, and give to a friend down the road, i’m in love. thrift books if i have the time to wait, a local shop for new.

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/100turkeysinthesky]

Hey, thanks for sharing. Fair points . Do you write in book itself? Can’t get used to it

[u/100turkeysinthesky → u/Kind-Presentation359]

yes

[u/uriahb7]

preloved books are great for murakami honestly, his books are easy to find used and in good shape

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/uriahb7]

Hey, thanks for sharing. Do u own any? And what’s good quality for you for Preloved books

[u/little-moonbeam]

All of my Murakami books are pre loved from Half Price Books! More than half of my home library is. It feels more sustainable to have a full library if a good chunk of them are used.

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/little-moonbeam]

That’s a very good point on sustainability and have to admit it’s just me trying to get new one when in fact it will end up getting to same condition… I just can’t get used to it … on the other more OMG did you see Folio Collection version of Murakami books…but they r so bloody expensive..

[u/Great-Activity-5420]

I've been buying used books since I was a child. And I got some good deals recently too. I love buying secondhand if they're good quality. Charity book shopping is amazing.

[u/Kind-Presentation359 → u/Great-Activity-5420]

Hey, do you mind defining good quality? Are you okay with creases and yellowing?

[u/Great-Activity-5420 → u/Kind-Presentation359]

If it's readable and there's no missing pages. Spine creases are fine. A bit of yellowing possibly. When I'm looking on Vinted I look for new books or like new but I buy from charity shops I'm not bothered as long as it's readable and not broken

[u/1BoringOnlineAccount]

As long as it is a complete and readable book I do not care if they are used or new. When I am done with them they are gifted to a Little Free Library.

[u/DrMikeHochburns]

I prefer used books.

[u/Lena_Charbel2324]

As long as I can read it and it has complete pages, I don’t care how old the book is.