SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Land Park is home to bibliophiles who love trading and sharing books. They visit the library, scour bookstores and chat about good stories in book clubs. But no one needs to leave their Land Park neighborhood to find a new book to enjoy. The Little Free Library movement has made it so that all you need to do is go for a walk to find new, free books. 

Messenger Publishing Group asked some Land Park residents about their personalized Little Free Libraries and how they became involved in the movement.

Steve Graham (781 5th Ave.) has enjoyed his Little Free Library for about 10 years. 

“I saw one and thought that’s a smart idea,” Graham said. He built his little library with glass blocks from a garage sale, then added a matching bench. 

“My house is a major route for school. The kids will stop and sit on the bench, and sometimes their parents will join them.” Graham tends to enjoy reading the classics, 

“I just tackled Ulysses because I hate myself,” he laughed. His Little Free Library is well managed by the neighbors, who don’t allow the collection to grow stale. 

At 780 Swanston Drive, Francesca Pardini explained, “As soon as we moved into our home, I knew I wanted one.” 

They had their Little Free Library for two years. Francesca bought pre-made building plans online, then her father helped her build it. Pardini replenishes her library with books she gets from the Facebook “buy nothing” group. She also keeps extra books in her office to change out occasionally. Pardini is a fan of contemporary fiction and fantasy. Her partner, Calen McNickles, likes fantasy, such as Tolkien and Joe Abercrombie. 

Retired elementary school teacher and children’s librarian Karen Martin bought a pre-made box for her 1770 5th Ave. home two years ago. Today, the bright blue box is a popular hub for neighbors with little ones. 

“I have two daughters and six grandchildren, so I’ve wanted to do this for a while,” Martin said.

After a long career in supporting early reading, Martin understands the value of inspiring the next generation to love books. When asked what she enjoys reading, she responded, “Historical fiction. My book club just finished ‘Comfort of Crows’ by Margaret Renkl. We also read ‘The Covenant of Water’ by Abraham Verghese. And I really enjoyed ‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah.” 

She has assistance with keeping her library offerings fresh.

 “A gentleman who rides a bike with big saddlebags filled with books comes to move things around. He’s the nicest man and keeps the collections vibrant and different,” Martin said.

For those who like the “take a book, leave a book” philosophy, they can learn more online at littlefreelibrary.org. The website provides all the resources to get started. People can build their own purchase plans or have a pre-made Little Free Library delivered. Those who register with the organization are called “Stewards” and receive several benefits, including having their Little Free Library listed on a neighborhood map. The map is also conveniently found on the organization’s phone app. 

Many little libraries are not registered with the organization. And they don’t have to be. Take Ruby Clark’s at 1615 7th Ave. 

Around four years ago, she received a free little library as a Christmas present. Her grandchild personally stripped and painted it in a green trees motif. Clark’s favorite types of books are best sellers, history and murder mysteries. 

“The library is used by neighbors, and we change it out from time to time,” Clark said.

Then there are neighbors who inherited their little library, as is the case with Jennifer and Robert Pennington at 1817 Castro Way. Their cute Snoopy-inspired Little Free Library came with their house. 

“The last owner’s son built it as an Eagle Scout project,” explained Jennifer Pennington. “We try to keep on top of it but are rather busy. There is a ‘library angel’ who drives around in a van and comes by to replenish it.” 

Book aficionado Megan Seely has had her Little Free Library for more than 10 years. The tall 2676 Harkness St. library was built by her brother-in-law as a birthday gift. She finds people are great about rotating it. 

When asked what she likes to read, Seely answers, “That’s like asking who’s your favorite child. I actually read a lot of non-fiction, historical fiction and social commentary. Plus, young adult books because I have two teenagers.” 

The family’s beloved childhood series is “Lemony Snicket.” A quote was added to the door of their little library from the cherished stories: “All the secrets of the world are contained in books. Read at your own risk.”

With an abundance of colorful little libraries to choose from, Land Park continues to be a neighborhood filled with literary risk-takers.