How Library Requests for Books Can Keep You From Impulse Buying

Many people find online shopping therapeutic : it’s a way to unwind and de-stress at the end of a long day. For some people, simply browsing and possibly adding items to their virtual shopping cart is enough without the intention of buying them. But others can’t resist buying, knowing that once they click Place Order, they can expect to receive the item(s) in the mail.

However, in most cases, buying things you don’t need isn’t the best idea. Not only are you wasting money you may not have, but the packaging used to ship your order creates unnecessary waste and now you have something else cluttering up your home.

In 2019, we suggested looking at Airbnb listings (but not actually booking them) to avoid the stress of shopping. Now we’re back with something better: ordering books and other items from your local library to curb impulse buying. Here’s what you need to know.

Request items from your library instead of impulse purchases

While some people can browse for hours without feeling the need to buy anything, others find it difficult to end an online shopping session without making at least one purchase. Regardless of which category you fall into, requesting materials from the library can help.

In addition to all the books in the regular library catalog, most of them also offer free subscriptions to sites (and their apps) such as Hoopla , Libby , and Kanopy , for those with a library card (which are also free). Among these resources, you will be able to take physical books, e-books, audio books, music, films and periodicals and browse them at your pleasure.

For those prone to impulse shopping, asking for your library card number and password may seem like the equivalent of entering your credit card information in an online shopping transaction.

If you are going to request physical materials from your local library, please be aware that you will have to collect them yourself. Also, be sure to check your library’s request and hold policy: some may charge a (nominal) fee if you order a book but don’t pick it up. (Although the fee will go to a good cause.)

And there’s a bonus: when you check out the materials you request or grab materials online, not only are they included in your library’s circulation count , but they also provide your library with data on which resources people in your community use the most.