We all understand from reading SurvivalBlog that having information and learning how to survive and thrive are going to be the keys to survival post-TEOTWAWKI. You need to start gathering that library now. There is an extensive list of suggested books and materials to obtain posted on the blog. Purchasing those at even discount prices from Amazon.com or other discount book sellers can still run into quite a bit of money.
Our local public library support group, Friends of the Library, have a twice a year discount book sale that my husband and I attend. It fills the entire basement of our main public library, which covers an entire city block. Not only are books sold at this sale but also magazines, books on tape, DVDs, puzzles, music, etc. Prices for hardback books are $1 and 50 cents for paperbacks. Prices for DVDs and other items vary depending on condition. One half of the basement contains “better” quality books that may be marked a bit higher, anywhere from $2 to $5. But even these were listed for half off yesterday when we attended. As an added bonus, if you become a Friend of the Library for just $10 a year, you get first pick on the evening before the public sale begins.
The books are organized into subject categories and within the category organized by author’s last name. For instance there are sections on religion, politics, mystery, science fiction, poetry, gardening, cooking, etc. Within a span of less than three hours we walked out of there with four large canvas grocery bags stuffed to the brim for about $40. My husband and I each went armed with the list off the blog and split up upon arrival to accomplish our task. I was happy to say that we were able to claim at least a dozen books off the list and many more.
In preparing for TEOTWAWKI don’t limit yourself to the so named books on the suggested list. Look for other books that fit whatever your plan for survival post-TEOTWAWKI may be. A few years ago we purchased an 85 acre farm with the idea of wanting to lead a more self sufficient lifestyle. This was prior to formally “prepping” for WTSHTF. We had already been attending these sales and acquiring books for that purpose. We were pleased to find that in doing that we already had quite a few of the suggested books and DVDs. We felt we were on the right track.
While much of prepping is learning how to be self sufficient in growing and preserving your own food, etc. it certainly is not all. We realized there were other areas we also needed to focus on. For instance, we recently bought a military grade diesel generator and already own a diesel tractor so a few books my husband picked up yesterday were on diesel equipment service and repair. I found a medical dictionary, anatomy coloring book and Red Cross First Aid book as well as books on Lamaze childbirth, communicable diseases and nursing care of the surgical patient. I found several books on the end of peak oil and economics to educate myself about the issues and understand what signs to look for WTSHTF. Because we have pets as well as livestock I looked for books on how to care for them myself as well as grow forage for the livestock. We even found a couple of the Foxfire series books that were recommended by Jim Rawles. There is no telling what all you may find.
But it is important to think long term for the future and what may come up. My choices included pine needle basketry and the practice of dairying (although at this time we do not have any dairy animals) as well as more books on basic homesteading skills. My husband selected books on making your own knives, arc welding, automobile engine rebuilding and maintenance and lead work for plumbing. You may think that some of the information in these 50 year old books is outdated. But remember that WTSHTF it will be those skills that we will have to relearn and use again.
If you are not currently home schooling your children then look for textbooks, history books, math books, science books that you can use for that purpose for all age ranges. Do not neglect entertainment for the family. Puzzles, games, DVDs, music CDs , etc will help pass down time. Buy inspirational and spiritual books for whatever your belief system is to help get you through rough times. All this can be gained for just a few well spent dollars, dollars that can go to your other preparations.
But there is another consideration in building your library. In today’s world of iPads, Nooks, Kindles, etc. the day of old school “paper” books may be coming. When the grid goes down people are not going to be able to access those devices. My 15 year old daughter has her SAS Survival Handbook downloaded as a PDF on her iPhone, but when the grid goes down and she can’t charge it how will she access it? Therefore we will be obtaining a paper copy of it in the future. Two is one and one is none! Even obtaining multiple copies of very useful books can be used as barter or charity in the future. Put duplicate copies of books in your underground shelter or BOBs.
I’ve always been an avid reader and thirsted for knowledge and envisioned having a vast library in my home. Prepping has certainly cemented that want and need even more. Who knows what a post-TEOTWAWKI society will do with its great literature? We’ve seen recently the Egyptian people going so far as to ransack the Cairo Museum and attempt to destroy meaningful historic pieces of their culture. The volumes of classical literature you store may be only a few that survive for future generations.