On the sidewalk outside Kate Schneider’s Wheat Ridge home, a small wooden box holds dozens of books, meticulously organized. Schneider ensures her little free library offers a variety of options, from thrillers to children’s books.
“I really like to keep it fresh with some good stuff,” Schneider said. “I’m a little selective about what goes in here.”
However, on May 15, Schneider discovered her library completely empty. “I was a little shocked,” she said. “There was absolutely nothing in there, and I had just restocked it.”
She estimated that someone took between 40 and 50 books, prompting her to post a warning on social media. Neighbors quickly responded, saying the same thing had happened to them.
“I guess I’m a little naïve,” Schneider admitted. “I had no idea this was something people did. I’m not sure if whoever’s doing this is coming from a place of desperation, or if they’re really having a lot of success with stealing and reselling books.”
Lacy Allaire has a video showing someone apparently clearing out her little free library in Westminster last week. A security camera captured a heated exchange between Allaire and the woman:
Allaire: “You’re not going to take them all, are you?”
Woman: “Do you have a problem with that?”
Allaire: “Yeah, it’s my library.”
Woman: “But they’re free.”
Allaire: “I don’t have an endless supply of books to put out here.”
Woman: “So, if you want them, why do you put them out here?”
Allaire: “I definitely want people to read them.”
Woman: “But if you want them, why do you put them out.”
Allaire: “I just don’t think somebody should take them all.”
But is this considered a crime? According to a Wheat Ridge Police spokesperson, it’s a gray area.
“It would be hard to investigate these situations as theft since the person is setting the expectation that the books are meant to be taken,” Wheat Ridge Police said in a statement. “Regardless, the behavior certainly doesn’t reflect our community values here in Wheat Ridge and we wish people would be more respectful and not take advantage of their neighbor’s generosity.”
In an effort to deter such behavior, Schneider has started blacking out the bar codes and writing “not for resale” on the covers of the books.
“I’m not planning on stocking it with flight manuals and sad, self-help books,” Schneider joked. “There will still be really good content in here, it’s not going to change. The library’s open, so come get some books.”
This story highlights a community struggle where generosity meets unethical behavior, urging us to reflect on the values we hold dear and how we can better protect community resources.
