As long as people are reading-
8/7/2022 at 10:35 AM
billChrest said "I saw a person taking 10 books out a little library.
Asked what they were doing.
" Iam going to read them and give to Book Sale"
I wonder if the service club could comment about this.
People buy these books to put in little libraries
Thought it was bring a book - take a book
This kills the spirit of encouraging reading "
As Curlysister mentioned above, free little libraries work on the honour system. I think most people utilize them the way they were intended, but in society you are also going to get some that are takers and not givers. There are people that will grab all the free pens or candies at trade shows while the proprietor has their back turned. Or people that will clean out the jam and peanut butter caddy at a restaurant during breakfast.
A free little library owner has limited control over what's dropped off or taken 24-7. Most people that set them up or have a friend build one are people that just want to encourage reading of any kind and just want people to take and enjoy them. In this case the person said they were going to read them and then donate them to a book sale (we have the Rotary sale here). It's not the end of the world if the books go back to a service club charity. Who knows, that person might buy another 20 to read at the service club book sale, then donate them back to the little library in another few months or next year.
If someone took some to sell personally for profit that's jerkish behaviour, but there are always going to be discourteous, selfish people. Fortunately there are more good people with good intentions that those types. Some would say if even they needed them, that's what they're there for. These little libraries will always replenish thanks to good, generous, appreciative folks.
My opinion of you asking someone what they were doing is not your business if they are in front of a 'free' little library. You don't know their intentions down the road.
One time I stopped at an unexpectedly spotted one and found some nice finds. I didn't have any handy in my vehicle. I took 5 or 6 great reads. Next time around I loaded that same little library up with about 15 I had, plus returning the ones I borrowed.
To be honest, I'd have been a little offended if someone asked me what I was doing removing books from a free library.
If you feel you might be put out with a situation you described above, maybe setting one up might not be for you.
Hopefully you do. I believe there are many online videos and tutorials in creatively building them. They are a lot of fun! Be tolerant.