As an avid book reader and someone who calls Kitsilano home, coming across a new neighbourhood book exchange on my frequent walks, bike rides and drives around our beautiful community really makes my day. For those unaware, the small wooden structures popping up around Kitsilano, East Vancouver plus 1,000s of other neighbourhoods around the planet are part of the world’s largest book-sharing movement: Little Free Library.
What is the Little Free Library?
Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighbourhood book exchanges around the world. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The idea behind the neighbourhood book exchanges is simple:
- Place a box, shelf or build a small home-looking structure outside your front garden.
- Leave a few enjoyable books that you want to pass on.
- Neighbours browse, take one that piques their interest, and return later with a replacement.
Not only do these little libraries encourage people to read but they don’t close and there are no late fees! But more importantly, they help foster a sense of community.
Treasure Hunt:
I personally love discovering new Little Free Library on my travels, whether in Kitsilano, East Vancouver or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland – so to keep the sense of surprise alive and well, I’ve decided not to share a Map of all their locations.
Instead, here are a few of the neighbourhood book exchanges I’ve come across in recent weeks.
If you’ve seen these before too, head over to my Facebook page and let me know in the comments by sharing a photo of the Little Free Library! I’d also love to see your favourite neighbourhood book exchanges!
Make sure to tag me in your Little Free Library photos on Facebook (@MichaelTudorie) and Instagram (@Your.Realty.Friend)
And remember, have a book you don't want anymore? Drop it off at your community book exchange for someone else to enjoy.
