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la" tLI 1 1 LE FREE LIBRARYakr. `" <br />TAKE A BOOK • RETURN A BOOK <br />VANDALISM HOW TO PREVENT 11 <br />AND WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS <br />Practical Tips <br />"Won't someone vandalize our Little Library?" you ask. <br />The answer is...maybe, but probably not. With thousands of Libraries around the world, here is what we have <br />learned. <br />In the beginning, we were testing the limits. Millions of people were exposed to Little Libraries. The total number <br />of Little Libraries damaged per year? Lower than .oi %. But you can lower the odds even more. <br />How to Prevent It <br />Who would want to damage such a fine (if small) institution as a Little Library? Well, the same kind of person <br />who might set off firecrackers in mail boxes, turn over gravestones or show off to his friends. Thrill seekers. Boys in <br />groups, for example. Drunk people. <br />What might keep them from doing that? Think like a mischief maker. The more he believes that he might be <br />caught, the less likely he is to do the damage. <br />Try answering these questions when you plan where your Library will be: <br />Will someone see me? Crime prevention experts have been right for years. Good lighting helps. If the Library is in <br />your front yard, keep the light on or have it near a street light. Put it where passing traffic can see it. <br />Will it be easy to break or take? If it has glass in it, yes. Plexiglas can be easily broken, too, but you can replace it. <br />If it has artwork or hardware that can be removed, you are tempting fate. Can someone just grab a piece of the <br />Library and bust it off? Anything that sticks out can be awfully tempting to someone under the influence of, well, <br />evil thoughts and substances. Or rushes of youthful energy. <br />Does anybody really care? <br />If everyone thinks nobody cares and no one is watching, someone will be more tempted to do damage. If the <br />Library is surrounded by weeds and trash, or is not well maintained, it is more likely to be damaged. If it is in the <br />front yard of a beloved, friendly neighbor, it is more likely to be safe. <br />It Personal <br />Let anyone near the Library know that it has a steward with a name who cares about it. It's even better if that <br />steward has a picture on the Library and seems like a nice person. Children and smiling faces of all kinds work well. <br />Ie Free:L <br />North Street <br />Hudson. WI. 54016'i <br />info @littlefreelibra <br />www.littlefreelibrary org <br />www facebook.com(littlefreelibrary <br />