Writing guides, grammar books, punctuation how-tos . . . do you read them? Not read them? How many writing books, grammar books, dictionaries–if any–do you have in your library?
Well this is an easy answer! None! If I want to use a dictionary I go online, and I don't have any writing books or grammar books at all!
In other news, I joined another library today. Back in March my work moved into a new premises, and it just so happens that there is a second hand bookstore about 50 metres away, and there is a library about 4 or 500 metres away. So far I have resisted going into the second hand bookstore.
As it so happens, I have been looking at the library's online catalogue and it turns out that they have a few books that I really want to read but that I can't get through my normal library. I will still continue with my normal one as the main one, but for the odd book I am intending to use this new one. So that makes a total of four libraries that I am a member of, but I really don't go to two of them anymore because they are too far away.
My paper dictionaries are collecting dust thanks to the internet - it's just easier!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting what you say about libraries. Where I live there's just the one library system with lots of branches.
We have different library systems within the city, then with multiple branches within each system. So when I say that I am a member of four libraries, I mean that I am a member of four library systems which all up probably have about 20 branches between them.
ReplyDeleteI am yet to explore a library near my new home. I don't have time. I don't even read nowadays!
ReplyDeleteMy BTT post!
I still like to use a dictionary even though I do check on-line when I'm using the computer. you're doing well to resist the second-hand bookshop.
ReplyDeleteOnline resources are great. Sounds like you have temptation all around you!
ReplyDeleteThat is cool about the new library. I personally hate libraries. They have these really ridiculous rules like you have to give the book back. So annoying!
ReplyDeleteMarg, I don't know how you can be a member of more than one library system! I would get so confused about where to return which book! I only belong to my local library, which gives me access to more books than I could ever get through anyway. And what I love best is I can return the books to any library within a 30-mile radius without having to worry about whether it's the right one. :-)
ReplyDeleteMegan, I can't afford to buy all the books I read, so whilst sometimes it is difficult to return a book, particularly if I loved it, it is the best solution for me!
ReplyDeleteBecca, I have a spreadsheet which tells me when everything is due back, and to where, otherwise I would really struggle too.
Using the internet is so much more convenient these days. The same information that is found in many reference books can be found online--and often the choices are even more limitless.
ReplyDeleteHere, none. I did have a few dictionaries, but they're back home in Uruguay (no way I was lugging them here... those puppies are HEAVY!). But even when I was there, I tended to use the internet more than the actual books. The only one I did use was a dictionary of synonyms which was really good, with entries which really dug into the subtle differences and connotations of words with similar meanings. I use to read that one just for fun.
ReplyDeleteI have only really read Eats, Shoots & Leaves and don't really intend to read any more. It was fun but mostly stuff I knew. If I try to learn aother language then I will most likely start reading books to help with that.
ReplyDelete