Libraries Stock Up on Cannabis Literature

Libraries in states with legal cannabis are quietly filling up their catalogs with cannabis-related items including books, eBooks, audio books, film and music. Given the growing rich body of resources on cannabis information, and that millennials visit the library more than other generations, it’s time to book it to the library and do some research.

The Los Angeles Public Library carries at least 643 cannabis-related items, according to its online catalog, which includes 473 books, 106 electronic resources, 82 eBooks as well as DVDs, eAudioBooks and more. The San Francisco Public Library carries at least 581 cannabis-related items. Seven locations of Colorado-based Anythink Libraries now carry 550 cannabis-related items which includes 108 books in print, 259 eBooks, 56 audio books, 140 albums and 65 movies, according to Westword. The Denver Public Library carries at least 303 cannabis-related items, according to its online catalog. The Aurora Public Library carries at least 130 cannabis-related items.

Cannabis, undeniably, is part of everyday life in Colorado, for instance. “If it meets our collection development policy and is relevant to our community, then we consider it,” Anythink collection buyer Jennifer Hendzlik told Westword. “We saw a need for factual information for locals and librarians.” According to Hendzlik, cannabis books are no different than books about topics like wine.

Yes, there are even children’s cannabis books available at Anythink Libraries. Stinky Steve Explains Medical Marijuana: An Educational Children’s Book About Cannabis, for instance, is available for adult cannabis consumers who have to deal with explaining medical cannabis to young children. Stinky Steve was created by the Michigan Cannabis Business Association.

Cannabis books have left a significant impact on society, including groundbreaking novels like The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer or The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook, which in 1954 including hashish recipes. Books may be old-fashioned, but in the event that the internet every crashes on a large scale, books will remain archival.