A Little Free Library, but make it fish: Maplewood resident creates tinned fish exchange
Instead of books, this neighborhood library is stocked with sardines, tuna and other tinned fish. The community-driven project is bringing neighbors together one can at a time.
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At first glance, it looks like any other little free library tucked into a Maplewood neighborhood.
But open the door, and you won't find a single book. Instead, the shelves are lined with tuna, sardines, mackerel and other tinned fish. The unusual exchange station was created by Maplewood resident Sean Russell, a self-described tinned fish enthusiast who wanted to share his passion with the community.
The concept is simple: take a can, leave a can. Russell says most people are initially confused when they stumble upon the tiny library, but clear instructions inside help explain how it works. Every time he worries the shelves might empty out, neighbors step in and restock them, keeping the exchange going.
The project is part of Sidewalk Joy, a movement that encourages people to create community-sharing spaces based on their interests and hobbies.
For Russell, the library is about more than fish. His daughters, Penelope and Isla, helped paint and decorate it, turning the idea into a family project. Penelope says she likes that the library gives people a chance to try something new and share it with others.
Russell says the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, restoring his sense of neighborhood connection and inspiring him to encourage others to create their own free libraries centered around whatever they love because in the end, it's not really about the sardines or the tuna. It's about creating a small moment of joy and bringing neighbors together.
