Nestled on the sides of streets across Greater Victoria, Bruce More's creations might spur a double take — is that half a kayak, a miniature barn or an old fashioned outhouse?

But a peek inside reveals their true purpose as little free libraries, community-operated book trading boxes that have boomed in popularity since the first-reported sighting in 2008 .

There are now more than 1,000 little free libraries registered with the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network (GVPN), handily crafted by More and other community members.

It's a feat made possible by the dedication and whimsy of a group of volunteers, readers and builders who have kept the number of new book boxes growing at an average of more than 100 per year since 2017.

As enthusiasm for the little libraries have grown, so

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