Digital book pricing threatens to widen access gaps, raising the question: who gets to read when libraries face shrinking budgets?
From Libraries can't afford the high cost of e-books. D.C. lawmakers want to fight back. on 51st.news
The Shala Daily
YOGA • PHILOSOPHY • LIFE
February 19, 2026
📚
✦ CULTURE ✦
E-Books, Equity, and the Library Commons
Digital book pricing threatens to widen access gaps, raising the question: who gets to read when libraries face shrinking budgets?
🕉️ KEY CONCEPTS
Sangha
Community, collective well-being
Aparigraha
Non-hoarding, trusting abundance
Asteya
Non-stealing, generosity
Ahimsa
Non-harm, collective care
"If we were to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to take our measly $4.7 million and just go all in on e-books,’ that will disenfranchise a lot of folks who don’t have other options."
— Richard Reyes-Gavilan, D.C. Public Library director
True equity means designing library systems that serve the whole community, not just those who can afford access.
— MJH
🔗 Explore Further
Original Article: "Libraries can't afford the high cost of e-books. D.C. lawmakers want to fight back." by Martin Austermuhle, 51st News
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