Gobs And Gobs Of Free Information A Guide To Government And Agency Resources For Free Publications And Services

Jan. 11, 2026, 12:30 p.m.

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The 1996 book Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! by Matthew Lesko is a compendium of resources for acquiring free information, publications, and services from U.S. federal and state government agencies. While not a traditional guide to physical free samples or product trials, it serves as a valuable tool for those seeking no-cost government resources. The book’s content is centered around leveraging public sector programs to obtain materials such as fact sheets, booklets, catalogs, and other informational documents. Although some users may have expected tangible free merchandise, the book clearly focuses on free information and services, not physical products like toys, books, or gift items.

The book is organized to help readers navigate a variety of government-run initiatives, including those from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and others. Each section includes addresses, phone numbers, and website references (where applicable) to help readers request materials. Additionally, it includes a detailed directory of state-level information sources, offering a comprehensive resource for individuals interested in free government publications and services.

While the book is not a direct source for free samples of consumer products such as beauty items, baby care products, or pet food, it can be used to locate free resources from agencies that may provide relevant information or tools. For example, readers can find information on how to access free government money programs, tax advice, or even assistance in identifying free travel or vacation-related benefits. This article will explore the key contents of Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff!, its intended purpose, and how it can be used to access free information from U.S. government agencies.

The book is available for purchase through multiple online retailers, including World of Books, Amazon, AbeBooks, and eBay. Pricing varies across platforms, with some listings offering the book for as low as $4.99, though shipping costs and return policies may differ. A detailed review of the book’s content and its relevance to U.S. consumers is provided below, alongside a summary of how it can be used as a tool for accessing free government resources.

Overview of the Book’s Content

Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! is a 480-page paperback guide written in 1996 by Matthew Lesko and Mary Ann Martello. Its primary purpose is to inform readers about the various ways they can access free information and services from U.S. government agencies. The book is structured to highlight different types of free resources, such as publications, posters, and gift ideas, many of which are provided by federal and state government departments.

One of the book’s notable features is the inclusion of practical examples of how readers can benefit from these resources. For instance, it suggests that individuals can request free videotapes of medical procedures, such as prostate surgery, or even arrange to receive free books from the Library of Congress for use at a church or community event. Additionally, it outlines how readers can obtain a free drug-confiscated limousine from the General Services Administration or request assistance from agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in case of workplace-related issues.

The book also provides guidance on how to write off vacation expenses using IRS programs and how to locate government-sponsored travel opportunities. These examples illustrate the book’s focus on leveraging public sector resources for both personal and professional use. While some readers may have expected physical free samples of consumer products, the book explicitly emphasizes free information and services rather than tangible goods.

Each section of the book includes contact information such as addresses, phone numbers, and website references, where applicable, to make it easier for readers to request materials. Additionally, the back of the book contains a directory of state-level information sources, offering a comprehensive resource for those seeking to access free publications and services at the local level.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

The content of Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! can be particularly useful for individuals seeking to access free government resources for personal, educational, or professional purposes. For example, the book can help users locate free publications from agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Park Service. These materials can provide valuable information on topics such as environmental conservation, health and wellness, and recreational opportunities.

For educators, the book can serve as a resource for obtaining free educational materials and publications that can be used in schools or community programs. Similarly, individuals interested in starting a small business may find the book useful for accessing free government guides on entrepreneurship, tax filing, and business planning. Additionally, readers interested in travel can use the book to locate government-sponsored travel programs or to learn how to write off vacation expenses using IRS guidelines.

The book also includes information on how to request free government forms and documents, which can be helpful for individuals who need to file paperwork with various federal or state agencies. These forms can include everything from tax documents to legal filings, and having access to them for free can save both time and money.

Another key use case for the book is its potential as a reference guide for individuals seeking to navigate government programs and services. With its detailed directory of state-level resources, the book can help readers locate information specific to their local area. This can be particularly helpful for those who are unfamiliar with the range of services available through their state government.

User Reviews and Reactions

User reviews of Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! highlight both its strengths and limitations. One reviewer noted that the book is "very well-written and fun to read," and praised its detailed descriptions of various government resources. They also appreciated the inclusion of contact information for agencies and the practical examples provided throughout the book.

However, some readers expressed disappointment that the book did not deliver on the expectation of receiving free merchandise such as toys, books, or gift items. One user wrote that they were "sorely disappointed" and felt that the book did not provide the tangible free samples they were expecting. This suggests that the book’s title, which emphasizes "free stuff," may have created unrealistic expectations for some readers.

Despite this, many users acknowledged that the book is a valuable tool for those who are interested in accessing free information and services from government agencies. One reviewer described it as "a very good book" and noted that it is "well-organized" and "breezy to read." Another user praised the book for its ability to "save time and give great ideas" to those who are looking for useful information.

The book has also been described as a useful resource for individuals who are not specifically looking for tangible free samples but are instead interested in learning about government programs and services. One reviewer mentioned that the book would be "well used" in their professional work, indicating that it has practical value beyond just being a reference guide.

Availability and Purchase Options

Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! is available for purchase through several online platforms, including World of Books, Amazon, AbeBooks, and eBay. Pricing varies across platforms, with some listings offering the book for as low as $4.99. However, it is important to note that shipping costs and return policies may differ depending on the seller and platform.

On World of Books, the book is listed as a preloved paperback with an ISBN of 9781878346339. The platform emphasizes its commitment to reducing waste by offering preloved books at affordable prices. On Amazon, the book is described as a "very good book" with a detailed review from a U.S. customer who praised its content and organization.

On eBay, the book is listed with a price of $4.99, with shipping costs of $21.45 for international delivery. The listing is located in Lemmon, South Dakota, and includes a 30-day return policy. Additionally, the platform notes that the book is in "Like New" condition, making it a good option for readers who are looking for a well-preserved copy.

AbeBooks also offers the book for sale, with the listing provided by The Book Spot in Sioux Falls, Minnesota. The seller guarantees the condition of the book and offers a 30-day return policy. However, shipping costs are based on the weight of the book, and additional shipping fees may apply for heavier or oversized items.

Conclusion

Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! is a 1996 guide that provides readers with information on how to access free publications, services, and resources from U.S. government agencies. While not a traditional source for free samples of consumer products, the book serves as a valuable tool for those interested in leveraging public sector programs for personal, educational, or professional use.

The book is organized to highlight various government resources, including those from the IRS, the EPA, the GSA, and other agencies. It includes detailed contact information for each resource, making it easier for readers to request materials. Additionally, the book features a directory of state-level information sources, offering a comprehensive resource for those seeking to access free publications and services at the local level.

User reviews highlight the book’s strengths, including its well-written descriptions and practical examples. However, some readers expressed disappointment that the book did not deliver on the expectation of receiving tangible free samples. This suggests that the book’s title may have created unrealistic expectations for some readers.

Despite this, many users acknowledge the book’s value as a reference guide for those seeking to navigate government programs and services. It is available for purchase through multiple online retailers, with pricing and shipping options varying across platforms.

For U.S. consumers, deal seekers, and sample enthusiasts, Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff! can be a useful resource for accessing free information and services from government agencies. While it may not provide physical free samples of consumer products, it can help readers locate valuable government resources that can be used for a variety of purposes.