'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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
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.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.