Free books!

Looking to hunker down on a long winter’s evening with a good book? Need something that can stimulate your mind or take you to a new universe? Want to learn more about your field of study outside of the classroom or assigned textbook? There are several ways that you can get access to free books around Northern Vermont University – Johnson both inside and outside the library. Sure, you can browse the thousands and thousands of books stacked on the shelves of the three floors of the library, but if you’re anything like me, I like the freedom of hanging on to a book as long as I’d like without having to worry about a return or renewal date. Well if that’s the case, you’re in luck. There are a couple of ways to get open access to free books around campus that you may not know about yet.
The first is probably something you’re familiar with. The rolling rack right outside the exit door of the library has a couple shelves of books that the library is giving away for free. While you may have to dig a little bit to find something you like on these shelves, as they are often underused library books, you can certainly find some hidden gems among them. You can find both old textbooks or other informational books pertaining to your major, if you’re lucky. Sometimes the shelf has novels and stories that you’ll be glad you snagged off the shelf before someone else did. They also occasionally stock these shelves with VHS tapes, DVDs and vinyl records if that’s what you’re into. Don’t pass these by. I suggest stopping and at least taking a peek every time you leave the library. You never know what you may find.
The other, lesser known opportunity to get your hands on some free books is the SGA Book Swap shelf. This is an underutilized but highly AMAZING bookshelf stacked with stories and information. It was started three years ago as an SGA project to answer to students requests for a book swap system somewhere on campus. The shelf is located in the TV lounge on the fourth floor of Stearns, beyond the SGA office door on the right after the Fireplace Lounge. It works on a take one, leave one policy. What’s the harm in giving it a shot?
Are these books going to be best sellers? Probably not. Will they be the latest and most talked about new releases? Doubt it. However, these are books that you probably wouldn’t read if they weren’t provided to you for free – think about all the stories and knowledge you could be missing by passing up on these opportunities!
While it is entirely possible that you may not need another book or story to add to your reading list, consider at least swapping out a book from your collection that you’ve already loved. Let someone else enjoy that and pick a (possible) new favorite.
Why spend the money to order a book on Amazon and wait for it to arrive in the mail? Chances are by the time it arrives you will have lost interest in it anyway – we’ve all been there before.
Plus, swapping rather than buying is environmentally friendly. Save the planet, swap a book. Stop by the SGA Book Swap shelf or the Free Book rack outside the library and get same-day satisfaction guaranteed. Turn off the video games, get out of your rooms, and read a free book. You’ll be a better person for it.