Our Projects
The Book & Lantern is taking shape through practical projects that can grow alongside the community. Some are already active, while others are only beginning. Together, they help worthwhile books and learning resources circulate more freely, create opportunities for neighbours to connect, and lay the groundwork for a future gathering space in Squamish.
Little Free Libraries
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Across Squamish, Little Free Libraries already form a quiet network of generosity and exchange. Anyone can discover a book, leave one for someone else, or take something home without cost, membership, or obligation.
We regularly stock and support many of these libraries with books for different ages, interests, and reading levels. Alongside enjoyable everyday reading, we add thoughtful works, practical resources, and unusual discoveries that might not otherwise reach the people who would value them.
By contributing to the work local stewards are already doing, we hope to keep these shelves varied, welcoming, and well used. Each exchange may be small, but together they make reading more accessible and turn neighbourhood spaces into places of sharing, discovery, and connection.
Book Sharing
Network
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Many worthwhile books spend most of their lives on private shelves. Some are too useful, unusual, or personally valued to give away, but could still benefit many more readers.
The Book Sharing Network offers a way to lend these books while keeping them connected to their owners. As more people take part, we hope to build a browsable catalogue and make exchanges easier across Squamish.
Sharing access can bring specialized and thought-provoking books within reach, spark conversations, and strengthen the local reading community.
Community Learning
& Gathering
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Books can begin a conversation, but community deepens when people have opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, share practical knowledge, and learn from one another.
As The Book & Lantern develops, we hope to bring the subjects explored through our collection into community life. Reading groups, discussions, workshops, gatherings, and local collaborations could examine inherited stories, human history, interconnected crises, ecology and kinship, imaginative and alternative futures, sustainable living, and practical skills. The opportunities we pursue will be shaped by what people in Squamish find useful and want to take part in.
These early projects will also help lay the foundation for our long-term vision: a permanent home bringing together a community library, curated bookstore, café, and welcoming gathering space.
Help Shape What Comes Next
These projects are intended to grow gradually, in response to community interest, available resources, and the relationships formed along the way.
You can take part by donating books, contributing to Little Free Libraries, offering a book through the Book Sharing Network, or telling us what kinds of learning and gathering opportunities you would value. Small contributions now will help shape what The Book & Lantern can become.