Try to leave a book open on the kitchen a couple of weeks, and another on the bathroom/shower. Then come back and post. And if you happen to not live alone, the same. IF the book is large enough/hard cover to remain open by the page you were reading.
Basically I am calling BS for what it is.
Those are not places I suggested leaving books, because I'm not stupid. I suggested: by the toilet. So you can learn something every time you poop. Then there's these other things called shelves... I own a few.
It is welcoming, but it may also challenge your ideas and beliefs.
For that I value it.
The people who are unwelcoming on HN and the people who post interesting/challenging responses... do not seem to overlap.