I love books, and I love looking at older books, but I like to read more than I like a rare edition. There are a few things I would collect, if I had the time and space -- editions of Jane Eyre, for instance -- but otherwise I'm with Kate.

There are books for reading, and there are books for ogling.

Yes, this. I own no rare books or special editions, because I am a story slut, and I want more, more, more, more. And I frankly am a terror with my books -- when I am reading a story, if it's hard copy, I haul it everywhere, eat with it, drink with it, haul it around, sleep with it, and yes, I read in the bathroom. I balance it on the counter while I'm waiting for stuff to cook.

ETA: I have been, however, well-trained by my sister to treat her books like a holy object. For real, we would get into physical altercations as teens for me dogearing a page or breaking a spine. I have SCARS from mistreating books, yo!

But old editions and rare editions, and especially oh, my god, hand-copied and illuminated manuscripts just give me a feeling akin to looking at a painting.

And a beautiful library is my church, along with places in nature.

I've always thought that there was a difference between people who like to read and people who like books. A lot of overlap of course, but also a difference.

Agree completely. The Kindle, and how much more I'm reading because of it, has been a revelation. I like books a LOT, which you understand upon seeing my house. But it turns out I just really love stories, and I don't care what delivery system I use.

...tour of the vault of the Huntington Library

Oh, my.

I got to do research at the Bodleian and I swear, I got inappropriate feelings in my ladyparts.

Well, I got 5/6 of the way through my swim before it got apocalyptic outside. That's something.

I do appreciate that paper books don't have to be charged. But it's easier to change your mind about a kindle book. Yes, I could go in on the Buffista compound...the local cops would probably quickly wish I had another hobby, though.(The ones here sometimes do.)

I like paper and ebooks. I love -- although it is SO DANGEROUS -- that I can try a book, especially in a series, and if I like it, I can finish it at 11 pm, and load the next one right up.

My physical library has dwindled since I take books back to trade, and frankly, have had to sell quite a few to buy food and other non-essentials. I WISH I could take some ebooks in for trade.

Got some details about why my coworker quit, and OMG, what a clusterfuck.

Dana,

so, was the clusterfuck on the org or the coworker or some of both?