Carson City book boxes spread joy of reading

What do you do with books you've already read?

You could place them back on the shelf, where they collect dust and wait to be read again some day. Or, you can follow the example of a few Carson City residents who have decided to share them with others.

Half a dozen book boxes have sprung up in neighborhoods around the Nevada state capital. Residents and property owners erect these little libraries — essentially enclosed cabinets with shelving — and invite the community to browse the treasure trove of books found inside of them.

Chelsy Simerson and her family put the finishing touches on a new book box earlier this month on West Ruby Lane. Simerson said the notion of building her own box spawned from the excitement of searching for other book boxes around town.

“I learned about the book boxes when I was visiting the local library with my children," she said. "We were told which streets the boxes where located and just started driving. It was like a treasure hunt and the kids got really into it.”

But the fun didn't end there. The Simerson family was inspired to become part of the network of little local libraries and share their love of reading with others.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to install a book box to be creative, and get the kids involved," Simerson said. "This is a fun way for the whole family to get excited about reading, and to explore their communities. You never know what books you will find or what you will see along the way.”

Little libraries piqued the interest of Mark and Alisa Kuniya after seeing neighborhood book boxes during their travels. They read more about the concept and decided to do the same thing in their west side neighborhood.

"One day while driving up our street, we both saw a little house-shaped hutch with a 'free' sign on it," the Kuniyas said. "Without a word, we both knew it was perfect for our little library."

The couple salvaged piece of furniture and gave it new life as a book box. Their book box has been in place now for about two years along West Washington Street.

"After some free mismatched paint and a few stakes to secure it to the ground, we were set," they said.

The Kuniyas registered their book box with Little Free Libraries, a Hudson, WI-based 501(c)3 registered non-profit that is helping people start and promote the little libraries concept in their own local communities.

"We decided to register our little library because we like to use the map to discover little libraries while we travel, so we wanted others to be able to do the same," they said. "We get at least one visitor a day. We love seeing people at our Little Library."

According to the Little Free Library web site, there are currently three book boxes registered with the organization and can be located using its map tool.

Besides the Kuniyas' little library found between Richmond Avenue and Ormsby Boulevard along West Washington Street, there are also registered book boxes located on Lucas Drive and in front of Sierra Place Assisted Living off West College Parkway.

Little Free Libraries describes the concept as "take a book, return a book," a simple neighborhood free book exchange program.

"Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share," the organization stated. "There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community."

The little library concept is more than a trend these days. It's really a global movement.

More than 70,000 book boxes are registered with Little Free Libraries in 85 countries around the world, the organization said.

But there are more than these in existence, because not everyone who establishes a book box registers it.

Besides the Simersons' Ruby Lane box, there are also book boxes located on West Telegraph Street, between Iris and Mountain, and in front of Skyline Estates along North Mountain Street across from Weninger near the West Nye intersection.

Every book box looks different from the next, a unique expression of the resident or property owner who has erected it in place. Each is designed with whimsy and creativity.

The Kuniyas added a Japanese anime character named Tottoro on their Little Free Library book box.

Book boxes are usually found in neighborhoods fronting residences, so they reflect the individuality of those who erect them.

Despite each one's distinctiveness, the Kuniyas said the little libraries have a way of weaving communities together into a common fabric.

"We've had nothing but positive and interesting interactions with people," she said. "It has connected us with our community and allows us to give back."

Community connection may be a benefit of little libraries, but Simerson said there is still social protocol to follow even though the boxes provide public access and their owners invite anyone to add or take a book from them.

"Please be respectful of other people’s property and don’t trespass," she said. "Each book box should be easily accessed from the road or side walk."

Visit LittleFreeLibrary.org for more information about book boxes and adding one to your neighborhood.