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| Choosing a free book in Lethbridge, Alberta. |
Locations for free exchange of books are popping up all over. Friends
have been sharing books ever since literacy and books became commonplace and book
exchanges are often provided for members of specific groups.
I have noticed informal
book exchanges in Edmonton high-rise apartment buildings, a rural Alberta seniors’ organization, and an Arizona retirement village.
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| Hardcover section in Edmonton apartment building. |
A new form of book exchange started in Wisconsin in 2009 and
has been spreading ever since. This is the Little Free Library – a public
location where those who stop by can leave books they have read or take those
left by others.
I have seen small free libraries in shopping centres in two
Australian cities. Many free libraries are in people’s front yards and they are often constructed of repurposed materials.
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| The first Little Lethbridge Library. |
Recently in Lethbridge, Alberta, I visited the first Little
Lethbridge Library which features a book repository beautifully crafted by
clients of the local Ability Resource Centre. Several community organizations
are involved in the project including the city library system and more of these micro libraries are planned for Lethbridge.
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| In Edmonton's Paul Kane Park. |
In Edmonton, a project by the Oliver Community League has
created 10 such libraries using old newspaper dispensers redecorated by artists
and other community members.
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| Checking on today's books. |
I recently visited the two of Oliver’s little libraries, located in Paul
Kane Park and outside the Robertson-Wesley United Church.
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| This Little Library stands outside an Edmonton church. |
While literacy promotion is usually a goal of these projects, it is not just about the books. Sharing books can promote
conversations and contribute toward community building.
Read more about Little Libraries.
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