The Little Free Library in Falaise Park
Nowadays, it is easy to find books online and read them on a computer or tablet. However, many people still prefer the feel of a real book as witnessed by the steady stream of visitors to our local libraries. Another indication is the fact that the District of Saanich has over 500 little free libraries. These are small structures, typically on the edge of someone’s lot, and maintained by the homeowner. They may contain anywhere up to fifty books and visitors are encouraged to take a book but, at some point, either return the borrowed book or replace it with a different one.
Lye Fong approached one of the FCA Board members regarding the possibility of establishing a little free library (LFL) that could serve the Falaise community. After discussion, it was decided that Falaise Park, near the playground, would be a good location for the LFL, if Saanich Parks would agree. Stew Vinnels produced a design for the library and Cynthia Hawksworth submitted an application to Saanich Parks. After a short time, it was approved and Saanich agreed to install a post in the Park to support the LFL.
The FCA Board agreed to provide the funding for the materials to construct the library and Stew, with a little help from Carl Ross, built the LFL in his garage over several weekends. Cynthia then transported it to the Saanich Parks facility, where it was mounted to a suitable post. The following two pictures show Saanich staff installing the LFL in Falaise Park.
Saanich staff securing the post in the hole 
Saanich staff pouring concrete around the post
As of mid-July, 2021 the little library is up and running. Lye Fong and Dale Summers have taken on the job of maintaining the book collection in the library. In these pictures, they are holding an appropriately named children’s’ book entitled “At the Library.”
Lye and Dale at the opening of the free little library 
Lye and Dale at the opening of the free little library
The initial collection for the library has been greatly helped by donated books from the Russell Books store.
The collection of children’s books is popular with parents visiting the playground as they can take a break from active play to read to their kids.
We hope the community will find the little free library to be a useful resource. If you have books that you no longer need, please consider contributing them to the library. If there is no room on the shelves, contact Lye or Dale at info@falaise.ca and they will store your books until there is space.