BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- The Bay Minette Public Library is housed in an old historic church building in downtown Bay Minette but it’s reach has expanded to include pocket libraries at numerous locations in north Baldwin County.

While they may look like giant birdhouses, these mini libraries are stocked full of books that are free for the taking. The concept is simple: take what you want and leave behind what you can.

The Free Little Library program began two years ago with three stations: Kids Park on McMillan Avenue, Pine Grove Elementary, and the Douglasville School of Arts and Recreation. Since then, Library Director Joanna Bailey has been working hard to secure funding and support for additional locations outside the city’s reach.

That hard work has paid off with the addition of six more Little Libraries, built by Evan White as part of his Eagle Scout project. Bailey said three of those are already up and stocked with books including: 40880 County Road 39 in White House Fork, Lottie Volunteer Fire Department, and Dollar General Store in Stockton. Three more will soon be set up at Delta Elementary in White House Fork, Crossroads Headstart and Perdido School.

Each library will be registered with the Little Free Library organization and will be entered into the national database on their world map. Since the books are not part of the library system, Bailey said they do not have to be checked out and no library card is required.

For more information about this project, call Bailey at 251-580-1648.