A volunteer-run warehouse in Baltimore has been giving away free books since 1995, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The Book Thing of Baltimore hands out more than 212,000 books annually, with donations rolling in at 12,000 to 17,000 per month. Everything is free, and everyone is welcome. No library card, no checkout limit, no fine for keeping a book forever.
It all started when bartender Russell Wattenberg wanted to help local teachers fill their classroom shelves. What began as a small side project grew into a beloved institution. Volunteers stamp every book“not for resale”and organize them by category. The warehouse typically opens on the second weekend of each month with timed entry, and visitors leave with as many books as they can carry.
Even a 2017 fire couldn’t stop it. Community members banded together to salvage the inventory, and Peabody Heights Brewery donated shelves to help rebuild. One local teacher even got engaged inside the warehouse. It’s proof that when a community invests in something free, the returns go far beyond the books themselves.
What’s the best free thing you’ve ever found in your city? Drop it in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.