I believe an educated populace is the single most important factor in maintaining a free society.  Political action is important, but it is a minor influence when compared to the long term influence and power of ideas.

To this end, I have compiled my favorite introductory books and essays.  Where available, I have linked to free online editions.  While the books and articles listed can be read in any order, I have listed them in a specific order to be most helpful to beginning readers.

I, Pencil by Leonard Read - An essay on the wonders of the free market. (5 pages)

Not Yours to Give by Colonel David Crockett - An essay on the proper role of government.   (5 pages)

An American Classical Liberalism by Llewelleyn H. Rockwell - An essay on classical liberalism under The Constitution. (11 pages)

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt - The single best introduction to economics.
(198 pages)

The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich A. Hayek - A warning against totalitarianism. (200 pages)

What Has Government Done to Our Money? by Murry Rothbard - The best way to understand our current monetary system. (112 pages)

Economics For Real People by Gene Callahan - An introduction to the Austrian School.
(350 pages)
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For those individuals who find works of fiction more interesting than academic reading, there is no better novel at promoting the ideals of a free society than Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.