Jeff Apolinario's Queen Mary‑style little free library attracts visitors in Victoria

Jeff Apolinario, a resident of James Bay in Victoria, British Columbia, built an eight‑foot replica of the historic Queen Mary ship that functions as a little free library at Ogden Point. The wooden model holds about 50 books and is decorated with detailed features such as doors, windows, lifeboats and railings. It has become a popular stop for tourists disembarking from cruise ships and for locals, especially during large events like the Canadian Forces Snowbirds air show that draws up to 30,000 people to nearby Dallas Road.

Anecdotes from Apolinario highlight the personal inspiration behind the project: he and his late wife Marge ran a bookshop together in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, and she helped with the construction before her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Apolinario often greets visitors, chats about the library, and offers treats to dogs that accompany them, turning the installation into a community hub that encourages reading and social interaction.

The library’s unique design and location have turned it into a local landmark, showcasing how a small, creative initiative can foster community spirit and attract tourism in Victoria.