Under the “B”… it’s Little Free Library Bingo! 

Playing LFL bingo at the little free library on Queens Street, Victoria. Play along with a little free library near you!

Here’s how it works:

Generate your own Bingo card here: https://victoriaplacemaking.ca/little-free-libraries/bingo/

Find a LFL Bingo card in one of the 465+ little free libraries spread out across the Greater Victoria region. If you need help finding a library in your neighbourhood, check out the GVPN Little Free Library Map. Bingo cards can also be downloaded and printed here.

Take a card along as you visit LFLs in your neighbourhood, and check off or colour in the boxes that match what you find (depending on how tricky you want to make it, you can play by line, cross or blackout). 

We’ve created two types of LFL Bingo cards—one for a general audience and another just for kids—but anyone is welcome to play either . . . or both! Play on your own, as a family or even challenge a friend.

Keep an eye on this page, as we’ll be releasing new cards over the summer. And we also have blank cards, which you are welcome to use to create your own fun challenge!

Here are the current designs. You can download each of the cards here: 

Kids Card – Blank
Kids Card – 1

General Card – Blank  
General Card 1  

You might get a bingo the first time out, or it might take a number of visits to different libraries to win—that’s all part of the challenge!

Remember, you don’t have to remove books from LFLs to win, just spot them. (Of course, if you find a great book, that’s a bonus!) 

We encourage you to share your LFL adventures over social media with the hashtag #LFLBingo. Completed cards posted to Instagram or Twitter using #LFLBingo will also be entered into a draw for additional prizes.

Plus, everyone who plays has access to a ton of amazing prizes: a free book of your choice from a LFL near you! 

So get out there, find great books, explore your neighbourhood and have fun!
 

About the project 

This project is the brainchild of John Threlfall, a local writer, arts advocate and community builder who runs the colourful Fernwood Re-Public Library in the 1700-block of Fernwood Road. He came up with the idea for the project after visiting dozens of LFLs around Victoria, and noticing more than a few repeat books. 

“The goal of the project is to encourage people to explore the CRD’s LFL network and in so doing, explore Victoria,” Threlfall explains. “Depending on the neighbourhood, it’s pretty easy to visit three or four little free libraries in a single walk or bike ride.” 

Combining LFL bingo with the online LFL map is also a great way to get out and explore the city. “I’ve lived in Victoria for 30 years now and there are neighbourhoods I’d never been to until I started exploring with the LFL map,” says Threlfall, who has visited over 250 local LFLs in the past year. “It’s hard to think of a better combination of community, creativity and literacy than Little Free Library Bingo. We’re hoping the family game will foster a love of books and encourage kids to become life-long readers.” 

About LFLs

LFLs are little book boxes that operate on the principle of ‘Take a Book – Leave a Book’ and are typically maintained by members of the community or community organizations. Victoria has the highest documented density of LFLs in the country, with more springing up every day. 

“I hope this project encourages people to get out and explore their communities, experience the joy of finding something special in a little free library, and have fun,” says Pocket Places lead Teale Phelps Bondaroff. “I can’t wait to see the next exciting new placemaking idea in our community!”