"People critique The City of Owen Sound, not because they dislike it, but because they care about it and want it to be better." - Richard MacDonald, an engaged citizen

From now until next year's municipal election, we're going to be posting stories inviting you to look at situations in our community and consider ways to make them better. Yesterday's post seem to distract people with poop, private property and pointing fingers, so let's try another. 

These wee libraries have been popping up all over the area, but we can always use more - especially in those places further from our fantastic public library. At least one of these was built by students at the old OSCVI, and three were built and decorated by local artists. Some have kids books, some specialize (cookbooks, novels - please no Windows for Dummies 1999 though) - some offer magazines, how-to's, DVDs, seeds and neighbourhood greetings.  Some have notes in books that say "If you liked this, there are more by this author at the public library!"

There is no need to be official. There are no "rules". (There are socks though, apparently.)

The local public library or Google can help you with designs, or you can repurpose something into a library.  This can be just your baby, or with a neighbour, or a willing partner in a neighbourhood that really needs it  (it will become a neighbourhood project, we can assure you).

Building community, sharing resources, Marie Kondo-ing -whatever you start out to achieve, you'll likely do much more.

Over the course of the pandemic, we've seen "wee free pantries" pop up too.  And in growing season, neighbourhood spots to share excess produce. And...what's the next thing we need?

All the best things were started by someone just like you!