03/04/2023
In recent weeks, hardcover books and new condition trade paperback books have been leaving the RLFL in larger numbers than ever.
In the past, a few books might leave at a time, and often new books appeared. This new pattern suggest someone is collecting sellable books, not with the intent of reading them. (I have heard about this from other LFLs, but not yet experienced it.)
This is mostly sad because it deprives those who legitimately would like to read the books this opportunity and also takes advantage of a system that is meant to be kind and communal.
First, let me state that if you take a book from a LFL (not just mine) DO NOT SELL IT. These are free gifts, and when you are done with them if you no longer want them, give them to someone else for free or place them in a LFL.
Second, for the short term, the quantity and type of books in the RLFL may be different for awhile as I try to deter those who seem to be taking advantage. I apologize, as I have always aimed to provide good quality books. (My most recent addition a few days ago was a nearly new copy of a bestseller that I got for Christmas, read, and didn't need to keep. I was excited for someone else to get a cool new-ish book. It will also have a good resale value I suppose.)
Please take anything you see there that you want to read. Please feel free to leave books there that you would like to find new homes.
If you happen to have noticed who might be doing this, please speak to them about how this has hurt this small corner of community.
I certainly want people to have all the books they want from the RLFL, but I do not want them to be sold.