Anecdotally I have found the amount of books I read has skyrocketed since I got a library card. I used to hesitate at book stores trying to decide if a book was worth $30 and the space on my (already full) book shelf. Now, if I hear about a book that's even remotely interesting, I check it out from the library almost impulsively. If I don't like it, I don't finish it. If I really like it, I buy a copy. The checkout deadlines also provide a nice motivation for me to finish a book.

I went from reading less than 5-10 books a year best to reading 40 books in 2023. And the more I read, the more I want to read.

I am spoiled, living in NYC, as the NYPL and Brooklyn PL between them have a pretty extensive catalog, and it's rare that they don't have a book I want, even recently published books. There's often a wait list though. It's also easy to get a lot of reading done during my commute on public transit. We still don't get cell service on the MTA between stations, so books are the best form of entertainment.

Of course, I suppose if everyone used the library exclusively, writers would make very little money. But I like to think it works out. I bought more books last year than I did before using the library, and attended a few book talks & signings at my local book store.