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FREE BOOKS!
Libraries have lost a bit of their luster over the past couple millennia. Sure, the Royal Library of Alexandria is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, but it burned down almost 2,000 years ago. Its contemporary rival, the U.S. Library of Congress, is an afterthought for most sightseers in D.C. In this day and age, even the largest library in the world is taken for granted.
That's surprising when you consider what it is libraries do. In short, they give away books for free. For free! Some people might see this communal practice as a subversive threat to America. It does indeed exude a faint scent of socialism. And not only that, the American Library Association was a prominent opponent of some elements of the Patriot Act. Yet public libraries are an American institution, promoting lifelong learning in nearly every town and city throughout the land. And all politics aside, in this economy you really can't argue with freebies.
And it's more than just books that are free. Newspapers, movies, music and internet access are all available at the libraries in the Walla Walla Valley. Educational programs and events are also there for the taking, featuring everything from arts and crafts for children to computer skills for seniors.
If you haven't visited your library in a while, you're not alone. And it's quite likely that ancient Alexandrians took their library for granted too. But then again, the Library of Alexandria didn't have free wi-fi. So check out your local library—you might be surprised what you find. And the price is right!