I think my reasoning has more to do with respect. My short list of those that I lend to are only those that I am closest to. I know they know how attached I am and will respect my property. However, someone I barely know who wants to borrow a book doesn’t know about my over-attachness. I’ve had too many returned to me with bent covers and torn pages, if they were returned at all, and I always feel a little hurt. A fault, I know, but I can’t help it.

I’ve always figured friendship is more important than anything else, so lending a book is like lending money: I don’t expect to ever see it again.

Maybe I just feel that way because nothing I own is irreplaceable. If nothing else, most of the real favorites are permanently seared into my memory and sitting down to remember is nearly as good as re-reading.

I did found a Personal Library Kit by Knock Knock (complete with old school library style checkout cards and stamp). Whether it helps to encourage me to loan out my books more or not, I’ve already decided that it will be mine.

As far as the e-reader goes, I have one but rarely use it. I’m still of the opinion that holding a tablet and reading a screen are poor substitutes for the feel and smell of the real thing.