It’s one of the tiniest libraries in the Tri-Cities, doesn’t have internet or a checkout desk and the number of books is small.
But for Krista Wojciechowski and her children, Lilly, 11, and Lukasz, 9, a visit to the Little Free Library at Blue Mountain Park in Coquitlam is a daily ritual.
The family looks after the little red library that was recently restored to its location near the children’s playground after it was vandalized earlier this year.
“I am very passionate about books and literature,” explained Krista on a recent sunny afternoon. “I am excited when people choose the books but it’s the kids who will run and get the door open. The adults are little more hesitant and the kids are ‘yes books!”
Lilly and Lukasz, who are big readers themselves, happily thumb through the collection that includes adult novels, as well as a number of kids’ books, including Bad Kitty and Judy Blume stories.
The Wojciechowski family is one of several volunteer stewards who have been stocking books and keeping watch over the miniature libraries that have sprung up in the Tri-Cities over the last number of years in local parks and in front of homes.
They are simple to use, just pick a book and read it, put it back or replace it with another book.
For people who can’t always get to their local library, the little free libraries are a great way to make reading accessible for all, says Ann Johannes, Tri-Cities Literacy outreach coordinator.
“As any librarian would say, the more places people can get books, the better.”
The little free libraries got off to a roaring start when the literacy committee had money to give out as grants. But even when the money ran out, people still built the miniature libraries, many of them looking like quaint cottages.
However, with a recent bout of vandalism to a few of the libraries located in parks, Johannes feels the public needs to be reminded about the project and take ownership of the little free libraries.
“People need to realize how important they are to the community.”
To that end, a tour has been organized, where people can visit 16 of the little free libraries that have been located on a map, and pick up a card indicating they visited.
They are also encouraged to take a book and leave a book and attend a special event on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam. The party takes place at 1 p.m. and there will be prizes to give away.
• To check out the locations on the tour, visit https://batchgeo.com/map/31b8bcebd16d3817c3280e93b712d6ff.
