I’m not one of those people who gets all excited by the world’s biggest this or that — the tallest building, the hugest cruise ship, yadda yadda.
I’ve always been more inclined toward the “small is beautiful” mentality. So I was totally charmed when driving along Highway 503 about 100 miles northeast of Toronto (near Kinmount, Ontario) one day a few weeks ago, I saw a sign for “the world’s smallest bookshop”!
I had to stop and check this out. Not only is it teeny tiny (10 by 10 feet), but it’s open 24 hours a day, and has no staff. All books are $3 and it’s totally operated on the honour system. What a little gem!
I didn’t have much time to take photos since we were on a mission to buy a dinghy in Midland, Ontario and we had a 10-hour drive to cover. But I managed to snap a few before jumping back into the truck.
Evidently I was not the only one who was delighted to find such a sweet little place in the countryside, because there were lots of appreciative notes pinned up all over the place.
I found out later it is a labour of love on the part of Gord and June Daniels. I wish I had time to meet them, but perhaps next time. I know I’ll be back.
A handout available at the shop reads:
Why I love Books
1) Books are silent.
2) Books do not require hydro.
3) Books do not interrupt.
4) Books open easily — no switches or remotes.
5) Books can be shut up easily anytime.
6) Books cannot be offended.
7) Books do not talk back.
8) Books do not demand T.L.C. — but get it anyway.
9) Books do not require food or water.
10) Books will not feel neglected.
11) Books will not send you on a guilt trip if you lose interest or ignore them.
12) Books never require medical attention.
13) Books do not have commercials.
14) A book does not go into a snit if you look at another book.
15) A book won’t mind if you are reading more than book at a time.