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Comment by brudgers | Hacker News Reader

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brudgers·

Free childrens' books is a market for lemons.

People keep good childrens' books.

They pass them along within families.

Or just leave them in their nostalgia drawer.

The free books are crap because they are the crap that people want to get rid of...no fond memories of reading time (because they are crap).

Finally, if a good childrens' book winds up on the free shelf, someone grabs it sooner rather than later.

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In the first year of my child’s life, we received many duplicate copies of books as gifts. Often this was because the duplicated book was beloved by multiple people who wanted to pass on their enjoyment. We gave many of those away. I would expect this is reasonably common and would result in the opposite of what you’ve described.

> Free childrens' books is a market for lemons.

That hasn't been my experience. I live within walking distance to at least 10 free libraries. Our kid's library is about 25% free books.

> People keep good childrens' books.

Sure, until their kids grow up. Then they're dumped. Hopefully with a neighbour with a new kid or in a free library.

My wife’s parents still have most of the books they read together, and we share them with our kids. I’m sure at least a few will carry on down the line. (I’m more interested in inheriting my parents’ science fiction collection though).

You'd think they'd be overflowing with the Dolly Parton books, which are varied and not-horrible IMO.

I have fond memories of the Gruffalo, but I'm not keeping it...

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