What is wrong with patients taking books?
In fact maybe you all should join the "Right to Read" program. They will give
you books to give away. My center is already participating.
My parents taught me as a child that often people *steal* because they
really need it. If they take the book, maybe the child will really read it
or have it read to them. If it's a really expensive fancy book maybe it
doesn't belong in the waiting room.
Why not put up (another) waiting room sign -
*Need a book? Take one. Have extra good children's books at home, please
bring them in.*
If you get too many, just put boxes of them in the Good Will box.
Anything is better than a waiting room of stuffed animals.
Danny