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This is a joke. No other words to describe what’s happening in a few cities across America. But first, let me explain to you what Little Free Libraries are. Usually someone puts them outside their home, but they can be anywhere. They’re small structures full of books. And anyone can walk up and take one out on the premise that they will put one back in. It’s literally a little library. I only know about them because I backed a Kickstarter project for some back in 2013.
Well recently in cities all over America people have decided to complain about the Little Free Library in their area. And local leaders and politicians are not handling these “complaints” with any common sense whatsoever. In Los Angeles and Shrevepoet politicians are ordering for some of these wonderful little libraries to be taken down. Because they violate city codes.
I have nothing against city codes and ordinances because in most cases they serve a valid purpose, but I don’t think anyone writing said codes ever meant for them to be used to take down these Little Free Libraries. This is absurd. I just read story after story of people coming together around their neighborhood Little Free Library. They stop and discuss books they’ve read. They make sure to put quality books back in. They get to know their neighbors for the first time. But most importantly, they’re reading! And some ignorant people want to complain and get these taken down? Come on. Seriously.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with Little Free Libraries, but the people who feel the need to complain about them are doing no one any good at all.
PS: I’ve read about some local lawmakers trying to give Little Free Libraries an exception to city codes. Go them!
Photo Credit: Purewow
Johnny Reads 
There’s one up by where I just moved from. I never stopped though. I should go check it out sometime.
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Or build one and paint it fancy.
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I feel like it would get vandalized where I live now. My car already got egged, remember? Maybe. It’s a possibility.
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Hm. True.
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How ridiculous. Those ignoramuses are destroying a perfect way to encourage literacy and growth in our communities. Those little libraries are such a wonderful idea, who in their right mind (and they’re probably not) would be threatened by literacy? That’s such an archaic fear, it deserves disdain. Boo to those crazies trying to tear down such a wonderful addition to community life? Idiots.
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My going theory is that they’re illiterate and jealous. Whatcha think?
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Oh, yeah. I completely agree. Good insight.
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It’s ridiculous people are fighting to have these libraries taken down! How sad that something beneficial to communities are seen as something that must be stopped. Outrageous.
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Yes! I’d really like to know what their exact complaints are. I mean, they’re not much different from a mailbox in a neighborhood. And if they’re in a more public space, even better! Ugh. People will complain about anything.
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So true! I’d like to know what their problem is, too. Those people are crazy!
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Maybe they hate books. And everyone who reads them. And they’re taking their frustration out on Little Free Libraries. 😔
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That seems to be what they’re doing. It’s sad. 😦
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Maybe I should build one. People are always walking their dogs and riding their bikes in my neighborhood.
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Great idea! I think they’re are such wonderful ways to promote reading.
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Now I just have to figure out how to build one.
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That may take some work. Or just hire someone!
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I’m looking at ways to make one WITHOUT having to build it. Like old appliances or unused newspaper dispensers. It’s still not easy. But I really want to do it.
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Oh cool, that would be awesome. You should!
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I think you should too!
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I agree! I’m not so good at building though. But I definitely should think of some ideas to get it done!
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Haha you can’t be any worse than me. I put my bookshelves together and a couple desks. That’s it. There are some really cool ideas I’m looking at.
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Nice. I’ll have to brainstorm ideas.
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Reblogged this on writersback and commented:
Gov bureaucrats always trying to control everything we do. Amazing. But not surprised.
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Wow! A joke is right!! Goes to show they want people to be dumb.
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I’m sticking to my theory that they’re illiterate and jealous of all the reading going around them. 😂
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Ha ha ha that’s gotta be it!
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I should put one up in my yard now that I own a house. I haven’t seen one in my neighborhood of Chicago, though i have in others. Thanks, John, for raising the issue.
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Haha yes! With a sign “Will not take down for no one.”
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What on earth could the complaints be?
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They’re probably illiterate! And jealous of everyone else around them reading. Yep.
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This is sad but does not surprise me.
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Cause no matter how great or harmless something is, there will always be someone to complain about it.
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I wonder what the complaints could possibly be!
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Ignorance. That’s all they could be. Cause there’s no reason for the.
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I’ve never heard of this until now… But that’s so cool! Lol, not that they are trying to force them to take them down, but that they exist. — I wanna make one now. 🙂 Only I currently live out in the country & no one would stop by my little library. — That’s okay, I’ll keep it on my to-do list for when we move eventually. 🙂
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Yes you should! I’ve spent the last two hours trying to figure out how I can make one. 😊
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I think it’s such a great idea! I’ve never seen one over here, but I know a street in the city where someone has put a little bookcase up with a similar idea in mind, only it’s for the many homeless people who live in the area. I think it’s fabulous and have taken a few books there myself.
I swear some politicians aren’t even human. What could possibly be bad about the sharing of literature and ideas?!
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Then you should build one! What could be bad about sharing of literature and ideas? I don’t have the answer to that. But I do like the bookcase of books you described. Another great idea.
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Hardly anyone goes down my street unless they live there, so it probably wouldn’t work… plus it can be a bit of a dodgy area for vandals, knowing the kids up the road, I’d end up yelling at them for setting it on fire or something =( Ironically, they are the ones who most need literature too.
Yeah I thought it was a great idea! The homeless need books too!
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Hm. Too bad then. Cause it would be pointless to build one and then have to really keep your eye on anyone using it. Kinda defeats the purpose.
Everyone needs books!
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[…] Little Free Libraries Have Come Under Fire […]
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