Why are there no books in the community?

Only specific books were allowed in the community. Every home had reference books; dictionaries, community books, and the "Book of Rules". Only the Giver was allowed to have other books, and he had shelves and shelves full of them. The Giver was allowed to have books because he carried the memories for the community. If the people were allowed to have books, they would learn about those memories and possibly attain ideas that weren't supported by the elders. Knowledge outside of job description was not embraced or promoted.