I figured out why Little Libraries seem to have such a capacity for taking books...

[Anonymous]

Look, most real libraries don’t want book donations because they’re not in demand. Donated books are discarded and recycled. I can’t imagine that LFL are bastions of high value literature. I’ve seen tons of graphic novels and book fair books that kids just blow through and don’t want keep. Nobody’s paying for that

[Anonymous]

We have a LFL, in the city, have had it for 6 years. I've only been cleaned out like that ~5 times, the latest last week. (but I cleaned out my teenager's bookcases this week and so was able to stock back up).

The first two times were just a few weeks apart, and I really wondered if that was the end of the LFL, if I needed to shut down to discourage that behavior. But it stopped.

I love the generous spirit of the LFL, and hope a few selfish people don't spoil it for everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Welcome to living in a low-trust society. People suck.

I don't want to be in a low-trust society. Where did that come from? Did we import it or vote for it?

It comes from America being low quality in all things - family, society, leadership, morality, education, equality, decency - and actually profiting from being like so for many years in the world arena.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your neighborhood library have a used book sale? If I have a new book that I am not keeping, I generally donate it to our library for their used book sale.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this guy empties it, there's more room for me to unload more books. For me the objective is to get the stuff out of my house.

Just throw them out then.

[Anonymous]

A man was busted in Alexandria a couple years ago for doing this. He sure enough did have a used bookstore.

[Anonymous]

Little free libraries are fun because they are free and serendipitous.

My local one is no longer waterproof although the roof is sound. I've seen some very nice books get spoiled because nobody came for them in time.

Anyone making money off used books must really need the money.

I am happy for the books to get reused by anybody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look, most real libraries don’t want book donations because they’re not in demand. Donated books are discarded and recycled. I can’t imagine that LFL are bastions of high value literature. I’ve seen tons of graphic novels and book fair books that kids just blow through and don’t want keep. Nobody’s paying for that

yeah, but that stuff DOES have value. I'd say that about 50 percent of the stuff in our local ones (and there are tons) is stuff that would appeal to me or my kids—and especially with kids, you can't keep up w/their reading by buying, so if it's some overpriced book fair nonsense, let them read it in 10 minutes, pass it on to some other kid to do the same. etc.

50 percent is just garbage and should be thrown out.

and people should NEVER EVER put religious texts in it.

The guy who steals from LFL to stock his used book business is still about 10 rungs up the ladder from evangelicals who empty the LFL to put in their version of the bible or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A man was busted in Alexandria a couple years ago for doing this. He sure enough did have a used bookstore.

so... it is illegal?

[Anonymous]

Most LFL owners stamp their books to prevent resale. While it’s not illegal it’s definitely not right!

[Anonymous]

You can buy a stamp that says something like, “Little Free Library use only. Not for resale.” Apparently, used book stores honor it. You stamp it on the side of the book with across the pages.

[Anonymous]

There are at least 10 LFL near me. There are 3 on my square block. Some are more full than others and some clearly turn over faster. Not sure why. But, I have never seen or heard of them being cleaned out. I think it’s too bad that happens. It’s definitely not in the spirit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can buy a stamp that says something like, “Little Free Library use only. Not for resale.” Apparently, used book stores honor it. You stamp it on the side of the book with across the pages.

Well... if I get a book from a LFL I should be allowed to resell it when I'm done with it. I just object to the idea that LFLs are just pick-up points for sleazy used book sellers who are going to throw out 90 percent of the books that someone intended to have go to their neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Maybe the guy grabs all the books and brings them to a charity like the Boys & Girls Club or needs them for a classroom in an undeserved school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If this guy empties it, there's more room for me to unload more books. For me the objective is to get the stuff out of my house.

Just throw them out then.

Why? They're good books. I'm just trying to downsize.

Either a neighbor enjoys reading them or the guy with the car gets some money when someone else wants to read them. Sounds like a win win situation for the planet.