Did you know? Now you can create your own Little Free Library Bingo Card!
If you’ve ever visited more than one little free library, you’ve likely noticed the same book or author popping up: The Da Vinci Code, say, or one of Danielle Steele’s potboilers. Rather than get frustrated by this, we decided to come up with a fresh way to engage with Victoria’s amazing and expansive network of little free libraries (LFLs): Little Free Library Bingo!
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Play along with your own Little Free Library Bingo Card!
Read all about how to create your own Little Free Library Bingo card, then go out and explore many of the 615+ 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.
About Little Free Library Bingo
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.”
The LFL Bingo Card generator page was made with the support of students at Connecticut College. Our thanks and appreciation to the hardworking team: Madison Ford, Melissa Alexander, Clayton Carter, Brian MacSweeney, Joseph Willen, Phillip Chandy, Trang Do, Jake Corcoran, Ricky Myers and Garzain Kabir.
“Working on the LFL Bingo Card generator was a fun challenge and a great opportunity to get real-world experience with bringing a client’s idea to life! I’m so grateful for the connections I’ve made and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the LFL team in Greater Victoria.” says Madison Ford, senior Comp Sci and Art student at Connecticut College.
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!”
