Twice in the last two weeks, someone has removed all of the books from an LGBTQ-themed Little Free Library in Waltham, Masschusetts, according the the two women who manage the tiny community service. But if those carting off the books are trying to keep them from readers, they may be in for a surprise.
Reports the Boston Globe:
The “Little Queer Library,” serviced by Krysta Petrie and Katie Cohen, has had its books allegedly stolen twice within two weeks, they told WCVB.
Usually, there isn’t space for new books, but during one incident, the books were taken in the middle of the night. The second time, it was during the day, and a man was seen taking loads of books, placing them in his car, and returning for more, the news station reports.
“We really don’t think that this older white man is planning on reading youth and children’s books,” Petrie said.
Police were notified, and supporters have begun sending new books for the library. Some came in from Australia, according to WCVB.
“If you keep taking them, we’re going to keep putting them out and you’re giving us the ability to reach more people because more people are paying attention to what’s happening,” Cohen told the news station.
The mission of the Little Free Library network, a national nonprofit organization, is to provide “a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”
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