News

Free Blockbuster: Where to get (and give) DVDs & movies in Fishtown

The Little Free Library’s cousin just popped up

As we enter the 2nd round of quarantine (or, for many of us, an ongoing quarantine that hasn’t stopped), you might want to break the Netflix routine for something… from simpler times.

You know, like when we used to wander around Blockbuster. In my high school days, I remember driving the 10 minutes to walk the endless aisles with a best friend, trying to pick the perfect movie to rent for $4.95.

Now, Fishtown has the next best thing.

A Free Blockbuster box has popped up in Fishtown at Small Mall on E Columbia Avenue, south of Girard Avenue.

The Free Blockbuster borrows the model of the Little Free Library, encouraging the ‘take one give one” exchange, applied to movies. Residents recycle old Newspaper boxes (RIP City Paper & the spirit of Philly Weekly) and turn them into a community resource. Then, people can drop off and pick up DVDs or a VHS.

Free Blockbuster in Fishtown

New Jersey resident Kim Lettiere brought the 18th Free Blockbuster box in the country (and second in Pennsylvania) to the city of brotherly love.

Lettiere, who works in Fishtown as a prop artist, found an abandoned newspaper box on the street and spray painted it for its new life. She put a few DVDs in and let it go. Lettiere got the idea from a friend who started a movie box in LA.

Already, people have been trading their DVDs and some others have added candy and popcorn to the mix.

Lettiere hopes others are inspired to add these resources to their streets. “I’m hopeful that other people will catch onto the idea and want to do more around the city and put them in their own neighborhoods,” said Lettiere.

The Free Blockbuster Fishtown already has its own Instagram page and following. The main Free Blockbuster Instagram account shares the other locations, including one in Springfield, Delaware County.


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

6 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

7 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago