Before the mysterious disappearing of one of the racks of the most social free libraries in my neighbourhood, early April this year one morning the shelves were almost completely empty.
I didn't show the other location yet, double sized under a historic bridge shelter and it had big empty spaces. And I heard even books had been taken from other neighbourhoods.
To this day nobody knows who or why. Speculations were it could be for selling on King's Day market. Formerly Queen's Day. Possible, but my idea is that the amount taken was too big for that. Even if they had managed to sell a third, what have they done with the leftovers? More plausible is that someone needed a quick supply of books to fill up a market stall or shop. But what a lame way to do so.
Sure I take books there for my internet shop. But never more than five at once, normally one to three, and not every day. And I pick out the titles that are really scientific or otherwise not interesting for the passer by. Chicklits and thrillers don't go anyway. But I make students and young managers across the country happy with what they look for at a reasonable price. Sometimes titles are rare and not available new. My profit is the fee for passing them through.
Both free libraries filled up fairly quickly again, partly with the help of the thrift shop.
The bridge location even made it to the national newspapers! Well, with six racks covered from rain it could be the largest one int the country. And I have that at 300 meters from my front door.
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