Lending libraries in front of people's homes have been popping up in Barrie the last few years, but there's more than just reading material to share in today’s COVID-19 reality.
Lending libraries are decorative boxes in front of homes, and some in parks, where people can grab a book to read. The person then brings the book back when they’re finished and even drop a new one off for someone else.
The Little Free Library in Barrie’s northwest end is the passion of Cassandra Rutherford. She told BarrieToday she has had the public sharing space for over five years and dedicates it to writers everywhere.
“In the peak of it is an old typewriter that we found in the shed when we moved into our home. It was unusable, but we didn't have the heart to get rid of it,” Rutherford said. "My husband made (the library) for me as a birthday gift. It is dedicated to my father, Mark Rutherford, and great storytellers everywhere.”
But as the COVID-19 threat has seen people shop in droves at local grocery stores, Rutherford was inspired by the idea of adding more to the little library to help people who may be running short on food items.
“Last week, I read a post about people switching their little libraries over to little pantries and I was inspired to follow suit,” said Rutherford. “We have taken the books off the top shelf and replaced them with nonperishable food items and some rolls of toilet paper. Our aim is to help those that need it.”
Toilet paper, pasta, tomato sauce and canned goods can be found in the little house-shaped box, which is located on Oren Boulevard near the Kozlov Centre.
The box usually contains books for people to borrow and bring back or replace with another book.
The idea is for neighbours to share the love of reading whenever possible.
“It is most frequented in the warmer months, however, we do have a few people that come weekly to trade books no matter the weather,” Rutherford said.
No one knows when the end of self-isolation and social distancing will come, but Rutherford says she's happy about the iniative, but hopes for it to be a short term thing.
"I certainly hope it continues, but I also wish it wasn't necessary.”
