Sharing books with friends and family is common practice, but what about sharing them with neighbours and passers-by?

This is the concept behind Little Free Library, a project founded in Wisconsin to encourage reading as libraries were closing down. Build a little wood hut (they sell kits or give you instructions on how to make your own), place it in your front yard, and fill it with books (the huts usually fit 20.) Then, allow anyone and everyone to borrow! So far Vancouver is home to one on East 26th, but look out for more as the idea gains momentum.

And we think it might be a good idea to stick a bookmark in every book. That way, there's no excuse to return the books dog-eared. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Visit a Little Free Library at 550 East 26th Ave., Vancouver, or even better, build your own. Find instructions at www.littlefreelibrary.org.