Editor’s note – as a preface to David Rothman’s article, and with thanks for his unrelenting, expert work promoting literacy in America and free access to physical and online libraries, e-books and internet connectivity for all, I add another stone to the foundation of the goal we all seek. Stories such as the one that David shares here are repeated in communities large and small around America. We are a nation of tremendous resources that has in many recurring instances, with almost astronomical frequency, chosen to turn them to waste, and throw them out (food [Every year, 30 to 40 percent of what is grown and raised in the United States is thrown away or rots between farms and kitchens. That’s a startling 133 billion pounds of food], books [Fairfax County Public Library has thrown out 2,888,982 books and other items in nine fiscal years!] and water [The U.S. Wastes 7 Billion Gallons of Drinking Water a Day] are just a few salient examples). The magnitude of this waste reflects a scope that resonates from within each and every story written about an American child, mother, father, disabled individual, elderly citizen, or countless others who do without the basics that as Americans we assume everyone should and for the most part, have, by virtue of living in America. So, as David educates us and moves us toward action to initiate and maintain critical change, let’s all be conscious of how we can act, what we can actively do, not just once, but ongoing, to ensure that at the very least, every child in our country has clean drinking water, a daily diet of healthy and safe food, and yes, books. Let’s make books for all children the gift that has no exclusions; books to read and enjoy, to read to learn, to read and then dream and imagine and create and engage, both today and in the future, with equal access, without fear, and without cost. Stepping off tiny soap box and please read all of David’s articles that are on LLRX.