Nor are the books Google has already chosen to scan necessarily a representative sample of literature across the ages.

ECONOMIST: Science invades the humanities

"Schools are increasingly being used as marketing venues by companies promoting their own brands in return for teaching resources, books, sports equipment or computers, " said a National Union of Teachers representative.

BBC: Google to give schools Raspberry Pi microcomputers

After leaving Poo-Pourri, I continued meandering through aisles filled with stationery, handbags, gift books and Santa Claus dolls until I was accosted by Veronica Spaterna, a representative at the "Nail Candy" booth ("Nail polish in a pen").

WSJ: On the Scent of a Hit