Build a box. Fill it with books. Set it out. Take a book. Leave a book. This simple concept has taken off nationwide.



Little Free Libraries have popped up in all 50 states and across the globe. Here in Kansas, these little book dispensaries have more than 30 locations, ranging from as far as Phillipsburg to Pittsburg. Hutchinson has two registered little libraries just several blocks apart.



When Alice Mills placed her library nearly a year ago at 105 Hyde Park Drive, she didn�t know what to expect. The library was a Christmas gift from her children. To start, Mills stocked the case with the literary classics and children�s books.



�So far, it�s been very positive,� she said. �It�s sort of self-supportive. People have donated plenty of books. I just wish people would be a bit more thoughtful about returning them.�



Mills also said that even after a year, having the library on her manicured front lawn is still fun, adding she enjoys seeing walkers come up and investigate the case.



�Children�s books still go like hot cakes,� she said.



Roughly five blocks away at 1811 N. Walnut St., Paul and Beverly Mendoza�s little library appears to be overflowing with books.



�We seem to have a full amount of traffic,� Beverly said. �I think people donate more than they take.�



�We�re all right if they empty it. That�s the whole purpose,� Paul added.



The Mendozas got the idea to set up their own little library after seeing Mills� case in Hyde Park.



�We have more books than we have bookshelves for,� Paul said. �It�s been a good point of conversation. We see people from adults to little kids stop by and take a look in there.�



The Mendozas� case, like Mills�, is fairly self-sustaining. For the Mendozas, the project was a family affair. They, along with their daughters Megan and Mia, are avid readers. Last year, they even decorated the box for Christmas.



�We haven�t had anybody mess with it,� Beverly said. �I thought during the fair time somebody might, and nobody�s done anything bad to it.�



In fact, the worst thing the Mendozas can recall happening to their case was a small wasp problem that hasn�t returned.



Recently in the Kansas City suburb of Leawood, one of these libraries came under fire for violating a city ordinance, causing nationwide outrage and a social media campaign to save the Kansas family�s free book exchange.



�That�s just silly that they�d want to close that one down in Kansas City,� Paul said. �What�s wrong with people?�



The family plans to appeal the decision. Luckily, for residents in Hutchinson, this is not a reality they may have to face anytime soon.



�In my opinion, shutting down free little libraries would not only be unpopular but could be contrary to the community�s interests,� said Casey Jones, senior planner for the city of Hutchinson. �Unless Hutchinson residents share reasons why we should not have free little libraries in our community, I do not see our city placing controls on them.�



Jones said his office has heard no complaints about the libraries and has no intention of taking action against them.



Currently, said Jones, property owners do not need to contact the city before putting up a free little library. However, they do need to be sure that it is placed on private property and not in the public right of way.



However, Jones also said the city�s planning commission frequently looks at a variety of items, but residents have little to be alarmed about with regard to these libraries.



�Sure, it is possible that the libraries will come up in future discussions among city officials and the Planning Commission,� Jones said. �I think those discussions will be more likely to focus on encouraging the safe location of libraries rather than restricting their development altogether.�