By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

A new addition at a Hays park looks at first like a colorful birdhouse, but closer inspection reveals there are no birds — just books, all kinds  of books.

The structure also has the words “Take a Book. Leave A Book” written on the front, giving anyone at the park a good idea of its purpose — it’s a Little Free Library.

“It’s a great way to expand our services,” said Lucia Bain, Hays Public Library’s Kansas Room librarian. It’s part of a national project — the Little Free Library program — intended for all 2,500 public libraries funded by the Original Carnegie Foundation.

“I just really like the fact that’s it’s another great service we can offer and makes things more convenient for people and promotes public sharing and literacy at the same time,” Bain said.

Bain said she is excited the community is using the service, pointing out the LFL was erected a little more than a month ago.

“As you can see by looking inside, most of the books initially stocked are gone, so I would really like remind the community if they have any book they want to leave in the Little Free Library, they are more than welcome to help us keep it restocked,” she said.

Bain said the project originally was intended for children’s books but says other types of books for all ages are welcome too, as long as they are appropriate.

The Little Free Library is located at Seven Hills Park in Hays, 33 Street and Canal.

Bain said HPL is planning on another Little Free Library at Hays Aquatic Park this summer or next summer. The structures themselves cost around $400 and come undecorated.  Bain said she plans to make the next Little Free Library a “group project” and will ask the community for  help with decorating.