If you’re looking for some new books for your kids to read while they’re out of school, there’s a little known place to stop by and find some new reads.

In 2009, a Wisconsin man decided to build a small box, modeled after a schoolhouse, and put the words “FREE BOOKS” on it. This was the start of what became known as the Little Free Library; a grassroots movement that inspires reading in communities by offering a place for citizens to take a book and leave a book.

And as of 2015, we have one in Pell City.

Located at St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church, the small encasement was built to be modeled after the church, adorning faux stained glass windows and a placard that reads “Little Free Library” and the official registered number for the location.

Filled with books for all ages and interests, the library boasts a ever-changing collection from authors such as John Green and James Patterson as well as young children’s books.

According to Mollie Roberts, reverend of St. Simon Peter, the idea came to her late one night, “It’s a movement that I heard about long ago. Then I woke up and thought ‘we could use one here’ and the idea took off.”

John Rickards, a staff member of the church, built the structure himself and it was blessed in November of 2015 by the bishop. Once it was built, fittingly, the first book placed in it was a Bible.

Roberts considers the structure to be a type of silent ministry, she explained, “People can come and go without interaction. We’re not trying to evangelize, just trying to get people to read and share the joy of reading.”

Though, because the library was started by the church, they ask that people try not to bring anything inappropriate for a church.

“Some people leave books, but it’s just fine if someone takes a book and passes it on. The idea is access to reading,” Roberts said.

The idea for accessible reading isn’t a new one, either. The original idea for the Little Free Library harkens back to the famous industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, who funded 2,509 free libraries. The founders of the modern free library initiative’s initial goal was to build “2,510 free libraries – as many as Andrew Carnegie – and keep going.”

And they did, with over 50,000 international Little Free Libraries as of November of this year.

“It’s a great example of what can happen when someone picks up a baton and runs with it,” Roberts said.

The Little Free Library is located across the parking lot of St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church off Mays Bend Road in Pell City.

Pell City’s Little Free Library is openly available to anyone who wants to stop by and browse, grab a book, or leave a book for someone else.