Well, some of us see an early sign of hoarding in people who stockpile books. Even if someone has the means to grow a large library without interfering in thei

Well, some of us see an early sign of hoarding in people who stockpile books. Even if someone has the means to grow a large library without interfering in their day to day living, I think there is something sad about large, private libraries and collections where books sit untouched. I compare them to books in a bustling university or community library and think what a shame it is for those resources to waste away like that. My wife and I still haul around some books we acquired during university, which feel like equal part sentimentality and obligation. But, we've re-taken to using our nearby libraries to borrow books, read them, and return them to the stream. When I buy books these days, I read them and then usually set them free somewhere, whether a miniature lend-borrow shelf at work or just loaning them out to anybody I know who might be interested. I don't loan them with an expectation to see them again, but the hope they will get passed along and well used.