The spirit of sharing if you have extra, and being able to take if you're in need is the driving force of the Little Free Library, those volunteer-maintained boxes set up in neighbourhoods here in Metro Vancouver and all over the world.
Have a book you don't want anymore? Drop it off, and perhaps someone else could use something new to read.
But now in the era of COVID-19, the books in some Little Free Libraries are making room for other stuff on the shelves that neighbours might need. Toilet paper, food, and other supplies are being shared, and if you're in need, you can take.
As one North Vancouver resident noted, instead of having your back when you need a paperback, the LFL is where you might find some of that other paper you need for your...backside.
A little free library in North Vancouver has a new type of paperback available. 😂👍 pic.twitter.com/jY7hShbtDo
— Keith of the North (@KeithOfTheNorth) April 2, 2020
This Little Free Library in the West End is doing double duty right now, too:
There are Little Free Library stands all over the world, and many of them are registered officially with Little Free Library.org. People who launch and maintain their LFL are called stewards, and stewards have been given guidance about COVID-19 precautions, though some may have opted to close their stand down.
You can see a map of all registered Little Free Library locations in Metro Vancouver here. Next time you pass by, you might see more than books. And if you'd like to see your neighbourhood LFL turn into a Little Free Pantry, let the steward know.
