An old cabinet acquired in October during a curbside junk swap has been given a new lease on life through a community book exchange.
Ladner resident Tod Jensen is behind the Chilukthan Sloughside Free Book Swap that encourages people to take a book, leave a book or get lost in a book.
Jensen, who lives at the end of 52A Street just south of Ladner Centre, was driving home one day when he spotted the cabinet at the side of the road.
"I've seen a few of these book exchanges through the years and I just thought it was just such a neat thing," said the retired teacher. "When I spotted this cabinet sitting out on the curb I thought it would make a perfect bookshelf so I asked the homeowner if it was OK that I took it and he said yes."
Jensen painted the cabinet, decorated it a bit and secured it so it wouldn't get damaged or topple over.
"When I started this in the fall I initially invited a few friends over for dinner and in exchange for the free meal I asked them all to bring a book or two," he recalled. "We filled up the cabinet. Since then I have added a few books myself, but primarily what is here now are all books from others who have swapped or shared."
The top three shelves of the book exchange are for adult and teen books, while a fourth shelf, hidden behind a bottom door, is reserved for children's books.
"Most times when I come out in the morning new books have been added. It's been such a fun thing. It's been fabulous," Jensen said. "The cabinet held up very well in the winter. People have also been very respectful. This is such a wonderful community."
Jensen taught in the Alternate School program at Delta Secondary, but has been retired for 11 years. Being a former teacher he believes strongly in the power of books.
"I like to read. I think it is a great way to spend time," he said. "It's a great habit to get into. Seeing adults come by and share and swap is great, but I especially love to see the young people and teenagers coming by. I'm old fashioned. I don't read on iPads or tablets. I love the pages of a good book. I'm glad so many people do too."
