Books in the Garbage?

As a reader and lover of books I was shocked to learn that Fairfax County Public Libraries have a policy to throw away books in the garbage, on a regular basis. Below is the link to the article as it appeared on the WTOP website, Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth is quoted; she is just as surprised and confused as many of us by this practice. WAMU and the Washington Post also covered this story

http://www.wtop.com/149/3444544/Libraries-throw-out-1000s-of-books

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fairfax-county-library-revamps-system-discards-books-reduces-librarians/2013/09/09/e3dca65a-1724-11e3-be6e-dc6ae8a5b3a8_story.html?hpid=z11

Staff have been tossing old and damaged books in the garbage but also newer books with very little wear and tear on them. Supervisor Smyth contacted Deputy County Executive David Molchany, who oversees libraries in Fairfax County to put stop this and hold off until a new policy is developed and put in place.

This is the link to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor website, with information on how to contact them and voice your concerns about this procedure. Please make your voices heard, books enrich our lives; they are a gateway to gaining knowledge and new insight and a most vital part of development for children. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/board/