Salisbury University philosophy department shares free books with the community
SALISBURY, Md. — Salisbury University’s philosophy department is engaging the community by giving away free books. Officials shared the local impact in the newest edition of “The Brightside,” sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.
At Salisbury University, they are proving wisdom does not have to come with a price tag, just an open mind.
Cristina Cammarano, chair of the philosophy department at Salisbury University, said, “A lot of the community-facing activities we do are based around conversation and dialogue, which I think is so essential and such an important part of the philosophical tradition.”
The pursuit of knowledge can be as simple as a walk down the street and a quick book stop.
“Books are a very tangible way that the search for wisdom has solidified over millennia,” Cammarano said. “We do have a lot of books here, so we thought, let’s see if people are interested — just passersby, community members, anyone.”
They are not just giving away books, but also food for thought.
“A book will give you words to understand a problem you have had but didn’t know how to name,” Cammarano said. “A book demands time and engagement, but it doesn’t have to be intense.”
There is no syllabus required, just sit down, read and let curiosity lead.
“Philosophy is not always present in people’s education,” Cammarano said. “This is a chance to get in touch with a tradition that is probably 3,000 or 4,000 years old. It has so much to give to humankind.”
In honoring philosophy’s history, organizers incorporated ancient roots into the design.
“The owl is the bird of philosophy,” Cammarano said. “In Greek philosophy, Athena, the goddess who protects wisdom, had the owl as her special animal.”
Who knew a small wooden box could hold such big ideas? The Little Free Library is giving more people access to wisdom.
“If people don’t feel they have access or don’t feel they can understand something, they might not go to a bookstore and buy a book,” Cammarano said. “But if it’s free and it’s there, they might try it — and then they’ll come back for more.”
This library operates a little differently from others.
“One thing that makes this library different is that we don’t invite people to give us their books,” Cammarano said. “The model is simple: Take a book, bring a book.”
Salisbury University’s philosophy department created the little free library as part of the university’s centennial celebration.
Email us your Brightside ideas at newsroom@WMDT.com
