The Little Free Library outside The MAD Cottage in Jacksonville, Md., went up in flames early Monday morning, and not by accident, according to owner Sheelah Lopez. The fire destroyed the tiny book box, though the blaze stopped short of the storefront, leaving the neighborhood’s beloved book exchange in a pile of charred remains instead of taking the shop with it.
Lopez later reviewed security footage and said the video shows a man walking around the building, stopping at the Little Free Library, and leaning in to set the books on fire. She is now hoping to track down the Good Samaritan seen in the same footage who helped douse the blaze before it could spread.
As reported by WMAR‑2 News, the surveillance video appears to show the suspect using either a pipe or a lighter to ignite the books. Another driver pulls into the lot and pours Gatorade bottles over the flames, while the owner of the gas station across the street races over with a fire extinguisher to knock down the remaining fire.
Small boxes, big meaning
According to Little Free Library, these volunteer-run “take a book, leave a book” boxes are part of a global movement that now includes more than 200,000 registered libraries. The goal is simple: expand access to reading right where people live. That neighborhood focus helps explain why damage to even a single box often sparks quick responses, from offers to rebuild to book donations from neighbors and local authors.
Community steps in
Lopez told WMAR‑2 News she learned of the fire at about 8:15 a.m. Monday. After she posted about what happened on social media, offers to help rebuild the Little Free Library and drop off fresh books began to roll in. Lopez said she has spent six years building up her shop and is grateful the flames never reached the storefront. She is still hoping to personally thank the Good Samaritan who jumped in to help put the fire out.
