A new library has opened in Centennial Square, although this one is on wheels.
The little library contains books that the public is free to take, and also provides the public the opportunity to put in books of their own.
“You're actually encouraged to take [a book] no strings attached, and if you want to return it or drop off something else that's great, but there's no requirement,” said Coun. Pamela Madoff.
Although there are several other similar pop-up libraries in Victoria, this is the first one initiated by city staff.
The library is made from two refurbished electrical boxes with shelves inside. The outside of the box is wrapped in a design featuring antique books.
The box can be opened from either side, and remains accessible to anyone 24 hours a day, weather permitting.
“There's no barrier to it, it's just there,” said Madoff. “You could characterize it as a random act of kindness to the whole community.”
Madoff added the little library is a simple, inexpensive way of fostering a love of reading.
The much bigger, Greater Victoria Public Library, also sees the new little library as a positive addition to the community.
“It's great to get people hooked on reading and books, and then they can come to the library and we've got a huge selection of items to take out,” said Alyssa Polinksy, director of communications and community development at the GVPL.
Polinksy added that the GVPL had the highest circulation of items per capita out of all the libraries in Canada.
“Victoria is really a reading city,” she said.