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Across the Fence:  Someone is stealing my books....  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:06:05 PM
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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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Edited by - melody on Jul 21 2016 3:34:27 PM |
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rachelbee
True Blue Farmgirl
207 Posts
Rachel
Carmel
IN
USA
207 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:18:04 PM
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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!
___________________
Rachel, #6992 |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 2:30:44 PM
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That's sad :(
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world"
"The things that matter most are not really things after all" |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 4:54:51 PM
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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
Farmgirl #1326
Dec 2011-Farmgirl of the Month
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Don't allow others to steal the Glitz from your *SPARKLE*
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch |
Edited by - LadyInRed on Jul 21 2016 4:57:15 PM |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6593 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6593 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2016 : 6:34:40 PM
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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
FGOTM, Septembe, 2012
"You must do the thing you think you can not do." Eleanor Roosevelt
Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings We simply continue to fly on our Broomsticks. We're flexible like that!
http://shopus.longaberger.com/mountainwingslongabergerbaskets
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
6945 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
6945 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2016 : 10:15:38 AM
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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 |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 07:41:12 AM
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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.
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13625 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13625 Posts |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 09:48:57 AM
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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
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2016 : 8:53:17 PM
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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
www.pinterest.com/jodieliza
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2016 : 12:32:52 PM
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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 |
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Across the Fence: Someone is stealing my books.... |
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Someone is stealing my books....
