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Why Free to Read?



I am a book person. I love to physically hold the books I read. If someone loans me a book and I enjoy it, I'll go and buy a copy for my personal library. So, why offer all my books and stories digitally on my web site for free?

I make my living visiting schools and libraries in all kinds of neighborhoods. Some kids cannot afford to buy books so by putting them on my website and in the International Children's Digital Library, they become available to everyone--throughout the world.

I am grateful when people buy my books and songs--but my career has always been driven by something greater than making money on the work I create. The kids in schools where I visit often ask me if I am rich and I always answer yes--because I make my living doing something I truly love doing. If I can share my work in this small way, I am happy to be able to do so.

--Barry Louis Polisar