Getting At the World's Libraries

This one's more about potential than actuality, but the world of electronic media has made a good start.

At what, you're wondering?  How about making every book ever written available to you, and most of the classics—at least the ones that have passed beyond the scope of copyright law (a not insubstantial number)—absolutely free?

eBooks have become de rigueur, but initiatives like Project Gutenberg are aiming to make as many books as possible not just free, but openly available on the Internet.

From classics in the original Latin ('cuz you know you want to read first-century commentary on Julius Caesar's reign) to titles like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, you can find something for everyone.

Sure, you could argue that all of these books could be found in the library somewhere, but how many of us are really going to explore literature—in today's crazy-busy world—beyond the easy-to find stuff at Amazon.com or on the NY Times bestseller list?  The electronic world is making the world's information accessible any time, anywhere, and Project Gutenberg's an excellent example of when it's done right.