[craftyguy]

Alternatively, go to your local library and check out books for free. If you feel like you need to own them, then buy from the local book store. Supporting the local library is more important since they (almost?) all do great community outreach for literacy (children programs, etc).

[winningcontinue]

yes, but without the people supporting the local bookstore who will be supporting the independent authors we need to write the books we read. We need both.

[lostlogin]

And without books being bought, how will I judge people I visit?

[sxiin]

Finnish authors have also "library grants" and "library compensation" which means those independent authors will get paid if somebody loans their work. So you can also support their work "for free" by loaning the books.

[craftyguy]

I never said "do not support the local bookstore." Obviously we need both.

[nojvek]

The absolute cheapest best thing you can do for your kids is take them to the library.

At-least the libraries in Washington are pretty cool.