Sudbury

Sudbury couple tends 'Little Library', neighbours take or leave books

There is a little red house perched on St. Clair Street in Sudbury — so small, in fact, that it can only hold a few books. That's the "Little Library," and the woman who tends it hopes you'll browse the shelves and say hello.
Katie Bisset started a "Little Library" in front of her family's Gatchell home — and she hopes that neighbours will keep coming by to check out the books and say hello. (Roger Corriveau)

There is a little red house perched on St. Clair Street in Sudbury — so small, in fact, that it can only hold a few books. 

That's the "Little Library" built and tended to by Katie Bisset and her family. 

The Sudbury woman said a couple of years ago, she saw the idea for a free, informal neighbourhood library on the hobby and inspiration web site Pinterest.

She asked her carpenter husband Tristan Legare to build one for their front yard, and he delivered a cheerful, gable roof miniature house with a window for a door. 

Take a book or leave one: the "Little Library" in Sudbury is free to everyone. (Katie Bisset)

The laissez-faire loaning system invites people browse what's inside, and take a book or leave one  — whatever works.

"It's all anonymous," explained Bisset. "Unless I happen to see you and we have a conversation over books!" 

Those conversations and interactions are the ultimate hope Bisset has of her friendly little project. 

"It's been a great way to meet my neighbours!"   

Listen to the complete interview with Katie Bisset here

It's the story of a tiny library that's bringing a neighbourhood together. Little libraries have become a popular way to share books. Katie Bisset joined us in studio to talk about a little library of books she set up in front of her home in Sudbury.