Victoria man builds Queen Mary-inspired little library in memory of late wife

A Victoria resident has turned a discarded cabinet into an eight-foot, Queen Mary-inspired little library, creating a place for neighbours and visitors to exchange books.

Jeff Apolinaro built the ship-shaped library at the end of his driveway across from the cruise-ship terminal. He fashioned the structure with a bow and stern, portholes and miniature lifeboats after studying images and blueprints of the original ocean liner.

His late wife, Marge, helped with sanding and varnishing during the project. The couple met at a military hospital in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War and later spent decades together.

After Marge was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Apolinaro modified a trike so they could take daily rides around the neighbourhood. She died more than a year ago. He says the library’s warm reception has made the effort worthwhile, and he plans to finish it with a brass plaque reading, “In memory of Marge.”