Creating a Little Library and Treasure Exchange: A Community Building Adventure
We’re thrilled to share the story behind our exciting new project: a little library and treasure trove that brings our vibrant neighbourhood together! The inspiration for this endeavour came from the wonderful sense of community that surrounds us, as well as my deep appreciation for spaces that spark creativity and connection through art and discovery.
With this project, our goal was to create a delightful space that both adults and kids can enjoy. We envisioned a magical spot where everyone could exchange books and trinkets, find inspiration, and experience a sense of wonder. It’s meant to be a place of ongoing discovery, where you never know what delightful surprises await you! This idea was partly inspired by the charming “free libraries” I’ve encountered in East Vancouver, as well as an interactive installation at an art festival that invited people to take a “treasure” they were drawn to and leave something special for someone else. Bringing a touch of enchantment to our neighbourhood corner felt like a perfect fit for the youthful spirit of our community.
Special mention goes to Jerry Hewko, who took the lead on the building aspect of this project with his incredible expertise and enthusiasm. As a skilled contractor, he played a key role in the construction process and creatively sourced materials. He even found treasures at local “re-store” shops and contributed a stained-glass window made by his own hands further showcasing his talents and adding a unique touch to our treasure trove.
We quickly realized that we had a wonderful opportunity to spark joy, ignite curiosity, and strengthen connections right here in our neighbourhood. This vision fuelled our passion and determination to bring the little library and treasure trove to life, and we couldn’t be more excited about the results!
Since unveiling our little library and treasure trove, we’ve seen our dreams come to fruition! The shelves are filling with new books, and delightful sparkly gems have begun to appear as hidden treasures for our community to discover. It’s heartwarming to see more and more neighbours stopping by to check it out and share a friendly hello.
Thank you for helping bring this little piece of magic to life! Our community is buzzing with excitement, and we’re eager to continue sharing and building on this wonderful idea together!