Little Free Libraries are quaint, homemade book exchange boxes.
You may have seen them in neighbourhoods around the Greater Victoria Area, or perhaps you even have one on the street where you live.
The Little Free Libraries , or LFL’s as they are sometimes called, are one of many projects overseen by the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network. The GVPN is a volunteer-based non-profit society that works with municipalities, private developers, community groups and businesses to help launch projects that enhance the liveability of a region’s urban spaces.Teale Phelps Bondaroff of the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network says there are more than 360 Little Free Libraries scattered throughout the region.
“Little Free Libraries build community. They connect people. They create a hub for folks to meet, for people to connect, and not just around books,” said Phelps Bondaroff. “It’s around meeting folks, and talking. And whether that’s on-line or in person, they’re absolutely magical pieces of placemaking.”
Ken Beswick, who lives in Victoria’s Fairfield neighbourhood, proudly displays the LFL he just built out front of his home.