As Spring is peeking around the corner is this the year a Free Fibre Library will bloom in YOUR community?

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to connect with neighbors and promote creativity is more important than ever. Every year the Neighbourhood Small Grants funding opens up their applications for up to $500 towards projects that bring neighbours together. Below we offer resources that gives you the opportunity to build a library where neighbours can come together for a give-and-take of various art materials on your block!

Here’s how you can set up a fiber library in your neighborhood, with resources for funding, construction, and supplies.

Funding Opportunities

Neighborhood Small Grants provide funding to support local projects that bring community members together. These grants can be used to purchase materials and supplies for your fiber library. This year applications open March 10th, and in most regions the sooner you apply the better as funding is limited.

To simplify the process:

1. Check their website, find your neighbourhood (region) and review the neighbourhood’s application process and the coordinator;
2. Read our SAMPLE WORDING & BUDGET to see if you could use this as a starting point to apply for your own fibre library funding;
3. Email the community coordinator listed on your neighbourhood page with any questions you have or input they could share;
4. Apply & build! (And don’t forget to email us at baaadannas@gmail.com so we can add your library to the MAP!

We have added a page to our Resources with draft descriptions and budget templates to help with your funding applications, email us at baaadannas@gmail.com

Building Your Fiber Library

Building your own library box can be a rewarding experience. Here are two detailed tutorials to get you started:

• Library with Hinged Door: A practical and straightforward design that makes accessing the contents easy.
• 8 Different Free Library DIY designs!

For additional guidance, check out the Little Free Library resource page, which offers a variety of videos and tips.

Tips & Tricks

• If woodworking isn’t your strong suit, consider purchasing a pre-made library box from Etsy or local woodworkers. Fundraising or grant funding can help partially cover these costs.
• Engage local Guides or Scouts groups in your project. Building a fiber library can be a great merit badge experience.
• Know a local woodworker who might be interested in collaborating? Let us know!

Stocking Your Fiber Library

Once your library is built, stocking it with materials is the next step. Here are some ways to gather supplies:

Our Upcycle Program can provide yarn and other fiber arts supplies when available. Contact us at baaadannas@gmail.com to arrange pick up or drop off.

• Reach out to thrift stores for donations of excess fiber art supplies.
• Post on your local Buy Nothing group to request donations from your community.

Additional Resources

To help spread the word and maintain your fiber library, we’ve created a few resources:

• Download plaques like the fiber-library-plaque-v2 and donated-by-friends-of-BADownload to label your library and acknowledge contributors.
• Use our baaad-annas-logo to brand your fiber library and promotional materials, to distinguish fibre libraries from free book libraries

Social Media and Community Engagement

Join the YVR Little Fiber Library Facebook Page to connect with other fiber library enthusiasts. This community is a great place to share tips, ideas, and success stories.

Creating a fiber library in your neighborhood is a fantastic way to promote creativity and community spirit. With the right resources and a bit of effort, you can create a lasting, positive impact in your area.