TULSA - It was built for the community to enjoy, but all that's left of a makeshift library is a plastic and metal container.

On Friday night, thieves stole the books that were taken and returned on the honor system for all to enjoy.

It's a dream that started in the car on the way to school, but a reality that began at 1232 South Columbia in Midtown Tulsa.

"There's two books we always put in here, Alice in Wonderland and the Bible," Joshua Starks' son said.

It's simple, you take a book and leave a book.

"We usually keep the tips showing, so you don't always have to pull it out," Starks' son said.

It even says so on the sign. It's based on a code of honor, but there was no honor to be found Friday night.

"She saw them loading all of the books up, ripping all of the books out and throwing them in the car," Joshua Starks said.

Starks' wife was inside at the time the books were stolen. An hour later, she claims the vandals came back.

"I went and nailed it in there with stakes and they came out and pried that bench," Starks said. "I mean it was sitting there off the nails. I mean they really wanted that thing."

Their son is an avid reader himself. He was heartbroken when he heard the news.

"That bench costs $75," he said. "There goes a bunch of money there."

But that won't stop the 9-year-old from doing his job.

"This really makes us feel responsible for this neighborhood," he said.

The Mad Hatter is already full again with books, just days after the thieves struck. This child's love for literature will overcome any attempt to derail the library.

"It makes me feel like that me and my family give the poor people and the children a book," the 9-year-old said.

In total, the family says they lost about $250 in books and the cost of the bench.

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