Wow, Krikkit, that was certainly upbeat and positive! While I don't doubt that in some areas of the country your thoughts ring true, I don't believe that the entire country is in such a disarray!

I think this would be especially beneficial in smaller towns where a regular library is not easily accessible. Additionally, why not offer this in areas where older people live that perhaps cannot get to library so easily. Country Inns & Suites, the hotel chain, has a similar program. They offer books in their lobby for their patrons to borrow and they can either return it to the hotel they took it from or just drop it off at another hotel in the chain. They've offered this program for many years and since it is still going there must be a benefit to it.