The Bay Minette Public Library (BMPL) has expanded its community outreach by installing two new Free Little Libraries in the downtown area, made possible by a generous grant from the North Baldwin Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama.

These miniature libraries, designed to encourage sharing and foster a love for reading, are now available for residents to enjoy.

One of the new libraries is located at 14 S. Hand Avenue, creatively designed to resemble a classic red telephone booth often associated with London. The second addition, inspired by the iconic TARDIS from "Doctor Who," is situated at 301 D'Olive Street, conveniently positioned between Bay Minette City Hall and the new Justice Center. Both libraries are fully stocked with a variety of books, available free of charge for anyone to take and enjoy.

"I want to thank the North Baldwin Community Foundation members for funding this wonderful endeavor. Our Little Free Libraries give people the opportunity to share in the love of reading and help to continue our outreach in the community," said Joanna Bailey, director of the Bay Minette Public Library.

The Free Little Library program, supported by BMPL, was first introduced in North Baldwin in 2015 as a way to make literature accessible to patrons of all ages. The concept is straightforward: visitors are encouraged to take what they want and leave behind what they can. The libraries offer an assortment of books, including titles donated by local patrons and those curated by library staff through the weeding process.

Each of these mini libraries is officially registered with the Little Free Library organization and included in the national database on their world map. Since the books are not part of the main library system, they do not need to be checked out, and no library card is required. This expansion aims to provide convenient access to residents who may not have the time or means to visit the main library campus.

Since its inception, the Free Little Library project has grown significantly, now encompassing more than a dozen locations in and around Bay Minette. These include Kids Park on McMillan Avenue, Pine Grove Elementary, Douglasville School of Arts and Recreation and various Dollar General stores in the area, among others.

For more information about the Free Little Library program or other offerings from the Bay Minette Public Library, residents can follow the library on Facebook or visit bayminettepubliclibrary.org.