Depends on the book, honestly.

My library system is kind of limited. In some instances they’ve only had the first book in a series. When it turns out to be one I enjoy, I have to go buy all the other books.

If it’s a new release that I’m interested in but unsure I’ll actually enjoy I wait for it to hit my local second-hand bookshops or wait for it to be on sale/clearance at one of the bigger chain bookstores. I’ll also wait for certain out of print editions to show up in my second-hand stores instead of buying a new book with new cover art that doesn’t match my existing set.

If it’s a special edition or an author I love then I’ll purchase new from a local book shop or one of the big chains.

I’ll hit up library book sales in the bigger cities near me when I’m looking to expand my comfort zone and try out new authors/genres I don’t read often - if at all. And when I’m searching for vintage or out of print covers for the classics as they’re likely to have what I’m looking for.

I usually purchase ebooks when a title I want is on a great sale or if I get an apple/kindle gift card.

I’m a big re-reader. Owning copies of my favorites is important to me.