Tiny Free Library

Walking my dog this morning, I discovered this curious little booth in a neighbour’s yard, which seems to have popped out of the ground overnight.

“Free for use of [the] Public.” This structure, erected in a loved one’s honour, represents a political act of faith in the future of a community.

I find this Tiny Free Library very touching, not only because it has been erected in somebody’s (posthumous) honour, but also because it is a testimony to a family’s good faith and trust in their community. Whether those who erected the library are aware of it or not, this little structure is an enormous political act. Where our governments and institutions seem to do everything in their power to degrade and dissolve public trust, and seem most inclined to leave little of any worth to posterity, here is a humble reminder of what it means to think of “community” as that which offers up something to the common, invites others to do the same, and puts faith in a future where this common will be preserved.

Shortly after I returned home, I pulled out some books I didn’t need anymore, as did my wife, and I delivered them to the Tiny Library. The shelves are already stuffed full.