'I want to bring Blockbuster back': B.C. teen creates free movie lending library
Tucked away on a residential street in Langley, there's a blue cabinet filled with VHS tapes and DVDs bearing the once-familiar logo of Blockbuster video.
"It's a passion project," said Walnut Grover Secondary student Matthew Reed who created the free lending library for his Grade 12 capstone project.
"Pick a movie, leave a movie, take as many movies as you like, leave as many movies as you like."
He designed and built the 'Free Blockbuster' because he says renting movies and video games with his family is one of his fondest childhood memories. Unlike the now obsolete r stores, there are no late fees or penalties for failing to rewind – but there are membership cards available for anyone who wants to take one.
"He delved right in," said Michelle Watson, Reed's mother. "Every weekend he'd ask 'When can we paint? When can we get supplies?"
After doing a little research, he learned he wasn't alone, and is part of a movement growing across North America. A website that maps the free movie exchange boxes says Reed's is the first in B.C.
In just a few weeks, Reed says he's had hundreds of customers and has received boxes of donations from complete strangers.
"Everyone loves it," said Reed.
Neighbours told CTV news they liked the novelty and nostalgia of being able to take a stroll and select a movie.
"I think this is fantastic," said Amelia Rousseau. "A real interesting and unique way to bring the community together."
They also said they appreciated the effort to give the used movies a second life.
"I think it's a neat idea to make sure things are re-used," said another neighbour.
Dog-treat libraries and small food pantries have also popped up around the Lower Mainland recently, modelled on the concept of the popular little free book libraries.
The 17-year-old says he hopes to inspire others to keep the movement alive.
"I want to bring Blockbuster back!" Reed told CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.