Pre-1985 Books

[#1]

I'm saddened to learn of thrift stores just tossing their pre-1985 children's books in the dumpsters. I understand that by nature thrift stores can't claim they are selling collectors items (since they are a "thrift" store, not an antique shop). However, they shouldn't be dumped. I would think they could be donated to a college or university library. By definition these libraries are for adults, and these books could be used for research purposes and preservation of history--which is what Universities do.

Arguably, a high school could also take these books. Again, by definition a high school library is for high school students--and it's unlikely that any younger children would have access to these books there. Where I did my student teaching they had classes on writing children's literature, and we did use children's books as examples in class and for students to use for research. Also, there were some high school students with disabilities that were actually reading on that level, and these books would be valuable to them. Picture books could be donated to high school art rooms to be used in collages...turning them into wall art which is also exempt.

[Former_Member]

The person who posted about her thrift store throwing out books has created quite a stir. I'm hoping this situation was isolated, and not the general situation.

She mentioned that a copy of "The Outsiders" was in the stack being tossed. This is not a book "primarily intended" for children 12 and under, so if this is what's happening, it sounds like there are some misguided thrift store owners out there. (Though I can certainly understand how this has occurred, given the confusing info disseminated by the CPSC.)

The title of this post is a bit off as well...it's not "pre-1985 books", it's pre-1985 CHILDREN'S BOOKS. That's bad enough, but I hope there's not some hysteria starting in which all books predating 1985 are destroyed. Gasp.

[Former_Member]

A lot of the "young adult" novels are a little iffy on whether they're primarily intended for those 12 and under or those above. Books about the prom, obviously not. Things about freshman year of high school... little dodgier. You won't have 12 year olds in high school, but they're often aimed at middle school age kids preparing to go to high school.


The teen books give me a headache. Some of them I moved to adult sections in order to keep them around, but actual reading level is slightly dodgey.

[Former_Member]

There are so many Out Of Print wonderful children's books not yet in the "collectors" category printed pre 1985

this is a disaster. Also in most libraries 90% plus of the Children's collection is pre 1985...

[Former_Member]

When I was in Middle School in the Mid70s I had a summer where I was on a Ray Bradbury kick... I read Fahrenheit 451... was I 11? 12? don't really remember...

Maybe we should be sending vintage paperback copies of 451 to our Senators...

[Former_Member]

This is interesting:

http://cetl.edtech.csulb.edu/f451/

[Former_Member]

I asked at my local thrift store yesterday, and they were informed that they are exempt from the new law. They already are extremely cautious about children's jewelry, "Barbie" beads, and things that could be hazardous to children. But, they're not throwing out books.

[Former_Member]

Ooops...I should have put "Children's Books" in the title. If I could go back and edit it I would. I don't want to spread mis-information.

[theheydayshop]

Why isn't anyone buying them? I'd take them in a heartbeat.

[Former_Member]

I went to my local thrift shop last night and was so sad to see the entire toy section (including things like flashcards, jigsaw puzzles, etc.) totally empty. And the children's book section (pre- and post-1985 alike) empty. ANd the kids clothes section almost empty.

I'm certain all of this went straight to the landfill.

[Former_Member]

People, the law states you cannot sell or distribute these items (books included). Distribution means give, lend, share.....they legally cannot do anything other that store or dispose of these items.
Also you cannot just claim an item is a "collector's" item and be covered, it needs to really be an item that an adult would now collect and a child would not have access to. Most vintage items, 1985 or before books included, are NOT considered collector items, if they were originally intended for a child they are still purchased for a child, usually by parents or grandparents.
Please understand what the law actually states, and don't blame the people who are trying to comply. The law gives the power of enforcement to each State Attorney General and whistleblowers, so even if the Agency says they won't be enforcing it, the AG's still can and some have stated they will.

[Former_Member]

thesmartmama.com posted that her 1947 Mother Goose book tested at 2,400PPM. That's really rather insane.