I much rather support authors by buying the book instead of borrowing.

The library bought the book and probably bought several copies. And writers want their books to be in libraries and they are aware that library books are there to be borrowed. And they want people to read their books, period. If your friend can afford to buy all the books he reads, good on him. I would be living in a homeless shelter if I did that.

I get money when people take my books out the library. Even more lucrative is when people photocopy my books. I don’t know how people know who is copying what…but I get a fair bit for it.

The library paid for the book, and my author friend loves libraries buying her books.

Do with that info what you will.

I think this is what they call a micro-aggression

I think borrowing a book from a library can be valuable because it gives you a chance to try out a new author before you buy any of their books. Or you might buy a copy later if you liked the book. It’s like a promotion thing for authors, basically.

I will often “check out “ a book from a library and if I love it, or it is what I expected I will purchase it. I can use the library as a trial run

Borrowing books from the library supports authors in a few ways: Libraries buy the books, so authors get paid. If you like a book you borrowed, you might buy more from the same author. Libraries also promote authors through events, and in some countries, authors get paid a small amount every time their book is borrowed, thanks to the public lending right (PLR) system.

Writer here! Yes, you absolutely are supporting a writer when you borrow a book from a library. This is why I tell people that if you can’t afford a book, borrow it from a library. Libraries are awesome.

I am a self-published writer under multiple pen names. I do make money from the library as well. So don’t worry much. We do get paid. :)

So by your friend’s logic, are poor people just not supposed to read???

A lot of libraries will allow you to ask them to purchase certain books. You van support an author like that if they don’t already have a copy. Check their website

If I truly like a book, I usually buy it for myself though

In my country, libraries pay royalties to the author’s association every time a book is borrowed. Whether the royalties cover the author’s membership fees is another question.

Something I do if I want to give an author more support (as they love libraries) is buy a copy of their book after I borrow it. That also lets tailor how much I give them to how much I enjoyed their work.

Or if I borrow the first book of a series and love it I’ll try to buy 1-2 books of the series minimum rather than renting all of them.

I have author friends who very excitedly share the library lending rates of their books, that data also informs publishers and money is generated. You’re definitely still helping by using the library.