Mark Lim has been forced to temporarily close the street library outside his home after being robbed four times in one year.

The 48-year-old Sydney man is an avid street bounty and recyclables collector, often going through bins to hunt for items to save from the landfill.

He began noticing that dozens of books were being thrown out.

Street Library general manager Mel Lake acknowledged that there have been a few instances of theft across the nearly 6000 street libraries in Australia, but noted that Lim’s situation appeared “really extreme”.

“Certainly nothing particular to any area, but we do get some reports of street libraries being cleared out,” she said.

“We don’t want people who are abusing the system, and it really is a minority.

“We don’t want them to wreck it for everyone.”

Burwood Council does not regulate or manage the street libraries, and has not received any reports of thefts.

But a council spokesperson said the community may “reasonably” assume the books are free to take. 

Lake suggests that street librarians inform their neighbors about any theft incidents, install solar lighting, attach bells to the library door, and put up a sign explaining the library’s purpose.

“If no one has street libraries, then a really beautiful community initiative is lost, allowing those who misuse the privilege to prevail,” she stated.

“That’s not what you want. You just want to figure out how to deter them from doing it.”