Charity recipients exchange second-hand bookcases for profit, labeling the action as a "noble act"
In the small town of Pirmasens, a couple named Angelique and Mike have been making headlines after they were featured on RTL Zwei's show "Poor Germany" on August 9, 2025. The couple, recipients of welfare benefits, have been clearing out book shelves in local communities and selling the books they take online.
However, it's important to note that not all welfare or unemployment benefit recipients behave in this manner. Most welfare recipients are eager to return to work as soon as possible, and the actions of Angelique and Mike do not represent the majority.
The couple justifies their actions, stating that they consider it a hobby to earn extra money, and they do not feel any shame about their actions. They argue that they are making space on the book shelves and doing a good deed by providing affordable books to others.
However, selling books from community exchange shelves is generally illegal and considered welfare fraud. Community exchange shelves are intended for free sharing or borrowing within the community, not for resale. Selling such items can violate program rules regarding the use of benefits or misappropriation of resources.
Welfare programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have strict regulations forbidding trafficking or exchanging benefits or goods obtained through the program for cash or unauthorized items. While SNAP focuses primarily on food benefits, the principles against trafficking and fraud extend to misuse of any resources tied to welfare benefits.
Selling books from community exchange shelves by welfare recipients could be viewed as misuse or fraud under these principles. Legal consequences may include fines, suspension, or loss of benefits if such activities are reported and investigated.
It's essential to confirm with local welfare office rules or legal counsel for specifics, as nuances vary by jurisdiction and program.
Angelique and Mike receive over 3,300 euros from the state each month, but the money lasts only 25 days. They make an average of 70 to 80 euros a month from the sales, which they justify by saying they read the books, at least the covers.
The couple faces backlash, but Angelique expresses indifference towards the criticism, as long as she behaves respectfully and appropriately. The inscription "Read for a good cause" does not bother Angelique and her husband Mike, who believe they are helping make literature more accessible to everyone, including those on welfare.
However, the books on the shelves are often expensive, making them inaccessible to some people without welfare. By selling the books, Angelique and Mike argue they are making them more affordable for others in their community.
The debate over Angelique and Mike's actions raises important questions about the use of community resources and the intentions of those who receive welfare benefits. While some argue that the couple is simply trying to make ends meet, others view their actions as a violation of community trust and a misuse of public resources.
Regardless of one's perspective, it's clear that the actions of Angelique and Mike have sparked a conversation about the role of welfare recipients in their communities and the limits of what is considered acceptable behaviour when it comes to using public resources.
- Angelique and Mike, despite being welfare recipients, have been earning additional income by selling books they've taken from local community exchange shelves online.
- While some welfare or unemployment benefit recipients may engage in this kind of activity, it's essential to note that most are eager to return to work as soon as possible.
- Welfare fraud, such as selling items obtained from community exchange shelves, can lead to legal consequences like fines, suspension, or loss of benefits.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has strict regulations forbidding the trafficking or exchanging of benefits or goods for cash or unauthorized items.
- The couple, who receive over 3,300 euros from the state each month, use the money they earn from book sales to extend their income, justifying that they read the books, at least the covers.
- The debate over Angelique and Mike's actions highlights the role of welfare recipients in their communities and the limits of acceptable behavior when it comes to using public resources.
- Their actions have raised questions about the intentions of those who receive welfare benefits and the implications of making community resources more accessible to everyone, including those in need.
