LFL stuard here. I prefer books not to be returned to mine.

I wish ours was a bit more "curated". People put in extra folders/dividers, paper doilies, books in Cyrillic, massive old textbooks, old travel brochures, etc.

Donate books people might actually want to read. Otherwise the LFL is full of Fodors 1985 Guide to the USSR.

I’m another who puts more in little free libraries than I take. You’re fine OP.

If the box seems pretty full I would not give it a thought. Ours is often overflowing. Many people donate but do not take.

Same- I donate but don’t take.

Anonymous wrote:It’s fine, I put lots of books in and rarely take any out because I have a bad habit of buying brand new books all the time. We balance each other out.

+3. I’ve put so many books into Little Free Libraries but have never taken one out.

Ask for books on the Trash Nothing website. Or send out a email on your neighborhood Listserv. Then put these books in the LFLs.

It’s fine, I put lots of books in and rarely take any out because I have a bad habit of buying brand new books all the time. We balance each other out.

I think it’s totally fine. I put books in the little free library near me pretty regularly (probably 10 a year) and I’ve never taken one out. It all balances out!

If you’re concerned, instead of donating a batch next time, keep a little pile and grab one to take to the little free library on your next walk.

Can't you put the book back once you've finished reading it? That would be good enough.

Look for a yard sale, flea market or these parking lot sales. Buy a box of used books (often you can get the books cheap). If no one is doing one of those $10/box, then get a shopping bag and fill it with a stack of cheap books. Drive around to the various little libraries that you've borrowed from and drop a few books from the box in.

It' OK

Just put the book back in when you’re done with it.

The days I WFH I typically go on a lunchtime walk. I try to take different routes so as to not get bored. Sometimes I peek into the Little Free Libraries and grab a book. I have to really want to read it to be willing to carry it around for the rest of my walk! But I feel bad that I never put books into the Little Free Libraries. I don't buy many books (big library user) but will occasionally donate a batch when I donate my clothes.

Is this ok? Should I avoid taking books since I don't refill those particular free libraries or any at all? I've contemplated doing a drive by to put a book in there (if I can even remember which house it was) but it seems like so much trouble.