Tucked into a serene street in Whitehorse stands a recently established community rock library. Unlike traditional libraries brimming with books, this unique space showcases a variety of rocks, including galena from Keno Hill, gypsum, quartz, and even semiprecious stones like rhodonite.
Lee Pigage, a retired geologist residing in Whistle Bend, is the mastermind behind this rock collection. Drawing parallels between rocks and novels, Lee emphasizes that each rock possesses a distinctive tale, from its formation to its journey through time. To share his wealth of knowledge and stones with the neighborhood, Lee has set up a Geologist’s Rock Library on the outskirts of his property.
The inspiration for this rock library came from Lee’s son, Justin Pigage, who gifted it to him on his birthday. Justin expressed that his father’s profound understanding of rocks should be shared with others, hence the establishment of the library. The idea took root when Justin’s nine-year-old daughter discovered a rock library in Carcross, sparking a family passion for rocks.
Visitors to the rock library are encouraged to take a stone that piques their interest and leave one in return, fostering a spirit of exchange. The top shelf features gypsum from the Silvertip Mine in northern B.C., reserved for curious rock enthusiasts. Lee offers to provide expert opinions on samples left by visitors, creating an interactive and educational experience.
Justin and his children, Karsten, Evelyn, and Parker, presented samples of galena collected from Keno Hill during their explorations. Reflecting on his childhood rock-collecting adventures with Lee, Justin reminisces about the exciting places they stumbled upon while scouring the ground for rocks.
According to Lee, rock collecting is not just a Pigage family tradition but a hobby shared by many. He believes that individuals with a pet rock at home might be interested in trading it for a new and unique specimen, fostering a sense of community engagement and exploration.