| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:06:05 PM
As you know I recently took down my Little Free Library because of vandalism and theft. After sulking for a week or so-I repainted the library and put it back up. Like clockwork, I check the library every day when I retrieve my mail and today I noticed 3/4 of my books have been taken---AGAIN. These were books that I bought myself to restock after the last incident. I am careful to indicate on the inside cover that the book is a Little Free Library Book and I put a remainder check on the top of the book. A lot of people steal these books and re-sell them on Amazon--SAD huh?
I am so fed up. Why would anyone want to steal books??
The whole point of having a Little Free Library is that the 'borrower' take a book and then return with a different or the same book.ONE at a time.
I don't know what to do. Should I continue to buy books so they can be stolen? I always check at our local library for used books for sale, but at 50-cents a pop it adds up after a while....
Is there any outlet that will donate gently used books? Should I post a notice on the library urging people not to take and to return with another book to keep the library full?
Melody
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jul 30 2016 : 12:32:52 PM
Very wrong! Keep us posted.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Prairie Princess |
Posted - Jul 29 2016 : 8:53:17 PM
That's awful Melody :( I wonder if you could find a location elsewhere that would let you put up your library... like a local business, or a friend...somewhere away from your thieves...so you can still enjoy having the library. :-/
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt
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| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jul 29 2016 : 07:27:46 AM
Melody that's terrible! I wouldn't do it any longer unless I put a camera up. People are ridiculous.
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 09:48:57 AM
Mel,
I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened again! If it were me I'd probably discontinue, but you have to go with what your heart tells you. Perhaps try the black mark on the bottom as Peggy suggests and whatever note/sign you think appropriate to give some deterrent measures a chance . . . then go from there! It's truly an act of generosity on your part!
Wishing you the best!
CJ
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| texdane |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 07:41:12 AM
How sad and awful! This is so sad. I can't imagine there is that much value for books on eBay unless you are stocking with rare vintage ones. Perhaps put a note inside? Something that says you are aware of the theft? It's such a lovely thing you are doing, so sad someone has to spoil it with stealing. Peggy's idea is great, but wonder if that would thwart the theft?
Big hugs and much love to you.
~Nicole
PS Keep us posted as to what you do.
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| MaryJanesNiece |
Posted - Jul 22 2016 : 10:15:38 AM
This is so sad. You have a tough decision. I would encourage you to keep going because you have a strong kind heart and you don't want to let down those who use the library correctly but at the same time someone is abusing their privileges and it affects you on multiple levels. It's not fair that you have to deal with this. I'm sorry. I hope you can come to the best decision for you.
Krista |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 6:34:40 PM
Oh Melody you have such a kind heart and I know this is your baby but, I think it is time to let it go. I believe you are being taken advantage of. You are buying the books and your neighbors are taking them and selling them on Amazon! This is so not right, it is not what this little lending library was set up for. We have a couple in our community and I have a friend in Iowa that does it in her little community and it works the way it is suppose to! For some reason it is not working in your neighborhood. I think you need to find another way to help your community where you and the books you buy are appreciated! Just my personal opinion my friend! You know I love you Mel and I am only thinking of you, I know how much this means to you and is bothering you.
Hugs,
Deb
#1582
Blessed in Colorado
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| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 4:54:51 PM
Would keep it going if it was me. I'm not easily thwarted...But I would find a source willing to donate. For example the Hair Salon I go To have stacks of free paper backs. You can take one or many...and they deal with it just like you do your
Library. Return them when read or bring in new ones to share with others.
It is a shame that some ruin it for many. Also if you put a black slash mark across the bottom of the pages...who ever is stealing them For resale will not be able to sell them. We use to do this at the Bookstores where I worked to keep people from buying off the sales Table and then returning them for full price.
Hugs,
Peggy
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| knittingmom |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:30:44 PM
That's sad :(
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| rachelbee |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:18:04 PM
I hate to say it but I wouldn't keep going. If someone's taking them, they know that you're just going to replenish and they can come back later for more. It's unfortunate that you have someone nearby who needs the money that badly. I'm afraid a polite sign isn't going to keep someone from stealing.
Hope you can find a way to work it out!
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Rachel, #6992 |
