Childhood Stories
This whole reminiscing about books from childhood has me thinking of my reading history. I remember our family had a physical set of encyclopedias. There was a story about when those old Collier’s were purchased and how poor my parents. My dad, the story goes, would sit and read them at night before they had a television.
Additional books that came with the encyclopedia included a set of what was called “The Junior Classics,” a series of books on various types of literature for young people. This set was in its fifty third printing in 1956. And if I remember correctly there was a further series of books on math and English. During my 1970’s childhood these were the staple of research reference in addition to what was available at the school library when I was in need of research material.
Currently the internet, for those who have access, is the staple. While most of us believe everyone does, the sad truth is that isn’t so. Some are limited to school, work and public library access. Here is my five second research data-
2023 Forbes estimation was 42 million with dial-up or no internet access. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/millions-lack-broadband-access/
By 2024 Pew Research Center’s articles were on the type of internet access, smart phone, work, broadband and who was using the internet. https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/internet-technology/
Forbes predicted by 2025 (article from March1, 2024) that 98% of Americans would have internet access. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/internet/internet-statistics/
No conclusions here, just some curiosity. How we get information. How we research, the changed sisty years.
I have been searching and purchasing old books. Not sure why; perhaps as talismans for comfort in my old age.
Sources -
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/millions-lack-broadband-access/
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/internet/internet-statistics/