In various corners of Greater Victoria, the unique creations of Bruce More may catch your eye – a half kayak, a tiny barn, or an old-style outhouse. However, upon closer inspection, these structures reveal themselves as small free libraries, popular book exchange boxes that have seen a surge in popularity since their first appearance in 2008.
With over 1,000 registered little free libraries in Greater Victoria, crafted by More and other community members, the growth of these book boxes has been sustained by the commitment and creativity of volunteers, readers, and builders. The number of new libraries has been steadily increasing by more than 100 annually since 2017.
As the enthusiasm for little libraries has grown, so have their offerings. Various specialized libraries have emerged, catering to games, plants, crafting materials, pet supplies, and genre-specific book collections.
Andrew Wynn-Williams manages a fantasy-themed little free library in the Gorge-Tillicum area of Saanich, noticing regular visitors like city employees on breaks and school children passing by. The community engagement aspect of these libraries is a significant draw, with Saanich Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff leading efforts to establish and maintain them.
Phelps Bondaroff, who spearheaded the little free library initiative, highlights the interactive and charming nature of these structures, encouraging people to explore and engage with them. More, an 82-year-old retiree and former music professor turned woodworker, has been instrumental in crafting these book boxes from repurposed materials, reflecting his passion for community projects.
With the upcoming milestone of the thousandth little free library, a festival is planned by the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network at the Oaklands Community Centre, featuring live music, interactive library displays, and an auction of book boxes to support the Victoria Literacy Connection. Despite nearing the completion of his 99th, 100th, and 101st libraries, More anticipates a continued enthusiasm for these community-driven initiatives.
The spirit behind these little libraries, rooted in community building and shared access to literature, continues to thrive in Greater Victoria, showcasing the enduring impact of grassroots efforts in promoting literacy and connection among residents.