To read a book, FOR FREE

[Sherry Liao]

Inspired by Fox's post the other day, and one of the May theme, I would like to share my experience on how to read books without spending money -- to make use of public libraries.

If you are living in Taipei, chances are you already have a library card of Taipei Public Library. It is important to use it effectively and efficiently. When you find a book you are interested in (maybe you have got some information from 博客來 or Amazon.com or something, or are recommended by others), try to make a search on "the website Taipei Public Library". If you find the book you are looking for, you can just make an order online. The library will transport the book you ordered to the branch you appointed and notify you when it is available. Just go pick it up. It's super easy.

Then what if the library doesn't have the book you want? I used to crave a book for long but couldn't find it after making the search on library's website. So I wrote a recommendation to the library. They answered my request quickly and months later I got the book I wanted.

There are some other ways to read a book for free. Try to google "free book" or "e-book" to see what you'll find.

Before I draw criticism, I think I have to make clear that I am not advocating saving money from buying books (looks like I am). It is always a necessity to invest the publishers to make them publish more qualified books, which are much worthier than to save small bucks.

[Kooper]

Hi Sherry,

Thanks for sharing! I have no idea that Taipei public libraries have become so convenient these days.
Next time when I plan to buy a book, I'll definitely try to get it from libraries first.
Just wonder if public libraries in Taipei City County are the same convenient as in Taipei.

Regards,
Kooper

[technobabel]

To read a book, FOR FREE?
What a concept?
Why not Starbucks coffee for free while you at it?

Putting books on the shelf so people will read them is not as easy as you think.
Consider this famous bookstore on the other side of the globe. Selexyz Dominicanen is a Book Store Made in Heaven, erected inside a former 800 year old Dominican church.

http://crossroads.journalismcentre.com/ ... minicanen/

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Selexyz ... anen&w=all

[Kooper]

To read a book, FOR FREE?
What a concept?
Why not Starbucks coffee for free while you at it?

Putting books on the shelf so people will read them is not as easy as you think.
Consider this famous bookstore on the other side of the globe. Selexyz Dominicanen is a Book Store Made in Heaven, erected inside a former 800 year old Dominican church.

http://crossroads.journalismcentre.com/ ... minicanen/

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Selexyz ... anen&w=all

It IS a bookstore made in heaven and eclipses all other bookstores in the world, including our prestigious Elite Bookstore.

[technobabel]

The shear size of the mega bookstores like Eslite makes me wonder if books grow on trees.
Well... at least not directly anyway.