Alessandra is reading…

The latest free haul of books that I’ve acquired to peruse at my own leisure…but also my lust for reading because I do consume a lot of books.

As I find that I “splurge,” (using quotation marks because its not as much of a financial splurge) when I buy my used books, I easily borrow as I run into free books as well. Which makes me so happy that I can read as I do on a budget. Which can also turn into guilt for me. But why? Someone has willingly donated them or decided to put these books in a little free library…so why do I place this strange feeling of guilt upon myself? It seems that not only am I more advantageous in being literate in the present world, but I am also financially gaining from borrowing free books for as long as I want (because this isn’t like borrowing from the library). I feel guilty that people in less prosperous areas have less potential to save as they learn and read.

But is there any way to provide free or less expensive reading and literature in less fortunate towns and areas? I’ve wondered this for quite some time and discussed with my fiance. It’s generally a nice idea. But providing cheap or free books seems to have a disadvantage as well.

• Free little libraries could be used as a drug drop-off
  • Which is possibly already happening in affluent areas
• There may be complaints that food or medicine should’ve been provided rather than books
  • Which leads to the discussion of what is most essential to providing to the less fortunate, how often do you provide to the less fortunate
  • Which also leads me to think that if people weren’t to view free literature as necessary, do you even attempt providing it?

As my readers, what do you think? How do we get books to those who aren’t able to acquire them? Especially since new books are the most that they have ever cost at sometimes $30 for a single book.

Read on and keep pondering. And please, if you actually think of a way to get books to the disadvantaged, especially children, comment below or email me at ardefonzo@gmail.com.