Book Burning Leads to Book Rescue Effort in Missouri

When I 1st read this an hour ago, it pissed me off on several levels:

Tom Wayne has amassed thousands of books in a warehouse during the 10 years he has run his used book store, Prospero's Books.

His collection ranges from best sellers, such as Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" and Tom Wolfe's "Bonfire of the Vanities," to obscure titles, like a bound report from the Fourth Pan-American Conference held in Buenos Aires in 1910.

But when he wanted to thin out the collection, he found he couldn't even give away books to libraries or thrift shops; they said they were full.

So on Sunday, Wayne began burning his books in protest of what he sees as society's diminishing support for the printed word. "This is the funeral pyre for thought in America today," Wayne told spectators outside his bookstore as he lit the first batch of books.

This is sad, disgraceful, and frightening!

Burning books is a horrible way to drum up support for the printed word!

There are thousands of people, all over the world, who if given the chance would relieve him of his burden. They are called BookCrossers.

We are defintely not the only ones upset over this either.

Well, when a BookCrosser posted a link to his website I discovered an apparent change of heart.

In a message posted today the owners write a cry of pain, and a call to arms:

Yesterday, we performed an act of art - a wakeup call to all who value books and ideas. Over the last 10 years, Prospero's Books has 20,000 books we've collected that people simply will not read. We receive hundreds more each week.

At Prospero's we fundamentally believe that the literary arts are not dead. We believe that there is still much about the human condition and our time still needing to be said. In so saying, we challenge you to get involved in two ways:

1. email these stories to your friends
2. call your local TV, radio, newspaper, blogs, etc. and tell them what is going on
3. For $1 a book (+ postage), you can save these books from the flame. We will not take these $s as profit, but will use them to publish new books.

Many of you have great ideas regarding what can be done with these books that's better than burning them - we agree with you, and encourage YOU to get involved in sharing the gift of literature. For $1 a book + postage, you can support your local school, prison, etc.

If we are going to again place a spotlight on the importance of books and reading, we need Your help! This is bigger than two bookstore owners in Kansas City.

My greatest fear is that as a culture, we may be beyond saving the books.

We appreciate that you have joined what we hope will become a national dialogue about the importance of books. Thank you.

It appears they have been hearing from concerned Bookworms, and have heard our message loud, and clear:

WE EXIST!!

I can't do anything for a month but I will definitely buy some books, and not just to Release into the Wild, but to own, read, and cherish.

There are many who are wondering how much work they really put into trying to find someone to take the books.

There are lots of organizations looking for books.

It just takes a little effort to find them.

Did they ever put notices in the paper? Or on the radio? Hand out flyers?

If they are ready to give them away, why not offer them as a clearance sale, like the libraries do?

Put them out for 25 cents each, or $1 a bag.

I went to one such sale yesterday, and got 47 books in 3 bags, at $2 a bag.

It's hard for many to believe that anyone who truly loves and respects books would ever burn them, for any reason.

Many don't think they are making any kind of profound statement at all.

To them this sudden decision, a day after the book burning, just comes off as a self-serving publicity stunt, and is disturbing for that reason alone.

I don't pretend to know if there were any ulterior motives here, and am inclined to take their word as described in the above message.

I'll say it again: Burning books is a horrible way to drum up support for the printed word!

I'm glad they seem to be persuaded to stop, and find another way to unload their stock.

Comments

[joy]

I agree. A stupid way to try & promote literacy. He didn't try too hard to find homes for the books, if you ask me.

Obviously this guy wanted the attention more than he wanted to dispose of the books. Sounds like more of a PR stunt than anything.