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B.C. capital’s little free library project passes 800 boxes, 85,000 books

Victoria neighbourhood launches latest placemaking project, upcycled from a pallet
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Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Greater Victoria Placemaking Network board member and Little Free Library enthusiast, stops for a read at library on Richardson Street near Oak Bay. (Black Press Media file photo)

The region’s 800th little free library in the region started life – well probably as a tree – but also a pallet before landing in the 1200 block of Pembroke Street with a sleek new look.

Installed by Gaye Sihin, an investor and admirer of architecture, Victoria’s latest little free library is an adorable replica of the house behind it. The pretty little lending box was built by Ray Young who upcycles old wood pallets into incredible things, including libraries, through his company I Used To Be A Pallet.

RELATED: Little lending libraries build community across Greater Victoria

The Greater Victoria Placemaking Network maps and promotes the popular neighbourhood book boxes through its Pocket Places Project and celebrated 150 libraries in 2017. The project is led by volunteer Teale Phelps Bondaroff, who also cycles around the region with a bike trailer full of books, topping up the libraries. To date, the project has delivered more than 85,000 across the Capital Regional District and helped set up more than 120 of the libraries.

Find the full map of all 800 libraries in the region online at victoriaplacemaking.ca.

The neighbourhood celebrated the milestone with an official ribbon cutting Monday, Dec. 18.

RELATED: The race for Greater Victoria’s 150th little free library is on

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About the Author: Greater Victoria News Staff

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