A roadside freebie hosts Greater Victoria’s latest little free library, the 900th mapped in the region.
Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock unveiled the Books and Bikes library with a late-morning celebration in the Walter Avenue neighbourhood May 24.
“The great thing about little free libraries is that they become a hub where people gather, they connect with each other, they share stories about books. Placemaking is about social connection, and we know how important connection is in our lives,” Murdock said. “The more we are able to bring people together, to forge bonds, and create community, the more we are able to help people live happier and healthier lives.”
It started life as a cabinet found by motorcycle enthusiast and childcare worker Alexis on the side of the road. Upcycled with a coat of paint and flaming decor, the discarded piece of furniture became a new neighbourhood treasure.
“I am an avid reader and after many years of debating whether I should set up my own little free library, I decided now is a great time,” said Alexis. “I am constantly driving around town dropping books off to other little free libraries because the ones in our neighbourhood are always well-stocked, so I thought why not add one of my own and experience the joy it brings others on our busy street.”
Little free libraries are little book boxes that operate on the principle of ‘leave a book – take a book.’ They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout the region. While most share books, there is a growing number of LFLs that share plants, seeds, toys, yarn, household items, board games, puzzles, art supplies, art, food, and more.
“We wanted this little free library to not only be a place where people in the community can come and exchange books but also a way to show our own personality as well – so we added some old school chopper flames and dragons to show my appreciation for old choppers and fantasy,” Alexis said.
The Greater Victoria Placemaking Network maps the libraries across the south Island online through its Pocket Places Project. Tracking them means the group can dub this one the official 900th.
“Little free libraries are more than just book boxes – they're powerful placemaking tools that help turn neighbourhoods into communities,” said Teale Phelps Bondaroff, volunteer lead of the Pocket Places Project. “It’s incredible to see 900 of these delightful libraries across the region. They spark joy, encourage creativity, and act like coral reefs for community – drawing people together, fostering friendships, and connecting neighbours through the simple act of sharing stories. It is little surprise that our region is so enamoured with these adorable little free libraries.”
Phelps Bondaroff regularly cycles around the region with a bike trailer full of books, topping up the libraries. To date, the project has delivered over 123,570 books to libraries across the Capital Regional District and helped set up more than 128.
Find the map online at victoriaplacemaking.ca/little-free-libraries.
