5 free little alternative boxes in Richmond

We've all heard of free little libraries — the boxes where folks can take or leave books — but some fun alternatives are cropping up in Richmond.

🦴 Free little dog treats

Shane Dowler and his partner added one to their house since it backs up to dog-walking destination Forest Hill Park.

• "Good Dog" opened last week at his house at Smithdeal Avenue and 42nd Street.

📼 Free little Blockbuster

Need a DVD or video? There are now four Richmond locations for video trades in repurposed Blockbuster rental drop boxes, of course.

• For an added dose of nostalgia, the Fan District box sits in the front of the former Video Fan spot on Strawberry Street.

🧼 Free little hygiene

Richmond-based nonprofit Feed the Streets RVA opened its first hygiene pantry at 1223 N. 25th St. in Church Hill last summer.

• The box is usually stocked with feminine hygiene products (tampons and maxi pads), plus shampoo, soap and other toiletries.

🌱 Free little seeds

Near Manchester, Springhill Seed Library is open year round, though in winter it's filled with books and canned goods.

• But spring through fall it really comes to life with seeds and live plants in the 500 block of W. 20th Street.

🥫 Free little pantries

Pantries are the OG "free little," usually stocked with canned goods, pasta and other nonperishables open to anyone in need.

• And there are now nearly two dozen free little pantries all over Richmond.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the Springhill Seed Library is on the 500 block of W. 20th Street, not the 200 block.