We are contemplating adding a solar panel to our lfl to allow passerby’s to charge up their phone for a bit, but that is proving difficult to plan for loitering, safety, etc. Denver has had a rash of folks taking all the books, wrecking the units this year, but it’s calmed down a bit now that it’s winter. I think the more we get used to seeing and lfl in the wild, the more it becomes something folks expect - maybe switching the colors, adding a something seasonal, might be a way to make them always feel new and exciting. Gloves, masks, snacks, batteries. Stuff that doesn’t matter so much to the operator of lfl, can be life-changing for a passerby. I always feel a dilemma there though, I’m littering the library with lesser materials and potentially taking away from the overall goals to just have books out there.

The people putting them up are responsible for following all the regulations where they place them.

As someone who runs one I’ve never engaged with the official lfl site at all. We do have a problem every once in awhile with people taking all the books but it’s not a major issue. Our biggest concern is people putting what is effectively trash at our library. Broken toys, clothes with major holes, single shoes, magazines with water damage etc.

One of the reasons libraries work so well is that people understand the leave one/take one concept so well with books and people know to take care of them. For consumable items and other durable goods (like clothes) it’s less culturally obvious what to do.

So my advice, start your own little food pantry (or whatever) or barring that, knock on the door of the lfl provider and ask what they want provided? We have a list of local places that take such donations including live fridges and clothing exchange boxes we send people to who want to place items other than books.

A library call?

'unregistered lfl' it has the spirit and purpose of an lfl, but just isn't registered.

Nothing against the LFL organization, we set up an LFL for our neighborhood and did register it. They even sent us a bumper sticker. But there are also lots of unregistered ones around town as well, free exchange of books is the point so it all good.

The LFL police come and take it down?

Here's what happens: nothing. You don't get registered in their database, and no one cares. People in the neighborhood, or those who walk by give & take books, exactly as you intended.

Yes, I said "grifters." No one needs sponsorship for their LFL. No one needs to be "registered." If you want to contribute to society's literacy, there are lots of organizations that do that.

And by the way, public libraries are already free, and they're pretty popular, too.

But I have noticed, like you, questionable books being placed in them by what I presume are the local wingnuts who regularly make the local news for protesting drag shows in the local bars.

I would hazard a guess any LGBT+ friendly books would similarly disappear.