Literfnapping

Literfnapping is a term used to describe the act of taking books from public spaces without permission, with the intention of keeping them. This practice is often associated with situations where individuals feel that valuable or rare books are not being adequately accessed or appreciated in their current locations, such as libraries or bookstores. Proponents of literfnapping may argue that they are rescuing books from neglect or ensuring they reach a more deserving owner.

The concept gained some attention through fictional narratives and discussions online, but it is generally considered a form of theft or unauthorized removal of property. Libraries and bookstores rely on their collections being available to the public, and the removal of books disrupts this service and can incur financial losses. The ethical implications of literfnapping are debated, with some viewing it as a misguided attempt to preserve literature, while others condemn it as a violation of property rights and a detriment to communal access to knowledge. There are no widely recognized legal precedents specifically for "literfnapping" as a distinct crime, but the actions involved would typically fall under existing laws regarding theft or property damage.