EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new “little library” has opened at Franklin Hills Park on Wednesday, thanks to the efforts of a neighborhood resident and the Parks and Recreation Land Management team.

On Wednesday, residents and local children came out to the opening of a little library, a free neighborhood book exchange that allows people to take a book and leave a book in an installed wooden box.

The initiative, spearheaded by El Paso resident Frank Berthaud, aims to encourage literacy among the youth community.

Berthaud, who lives across the street from Franklin Hills Park, expressed his family’s commitment to promoting literacy.

“We live directly across the street, and we really wanted to promote literacy and just give our community the opportunity to take a book, leave a book, and just share in the love of literacy,” Berthaud said.

The project, which began over a year and a half ago, involved navigating permits and collaborating with city officials.

“As soon as I was connected with the right folks, it really just flew from there,” Berthaud said. He worked closely with the park department to determine the best location for the library and accompanying bench, considering the community’s needs and desires.

Berthaud emphasized the importance of easy access to books, despite the presence of a robust library system. “To be able to walk outside your door, maybe walk five, 10 minutes if you live in the neighborhood, and to be able to get a book for free, take it home, you do not have to return it,” he said.

He hopes the library will remain well-stocked and frequently used, promoting a love of reading among young people.

“We feel like we’re losing some of that love of reading,” Berthaud said, noting the unique experience of reading physical books. “When you’re flipping through the pages and you see the pictures, you don’t get that with an audiobook, and this is such an opportunity for them to really enjoy in a tangible way what books mean.”

The unveiling ceremony, attended by the Parks team, City Representative Alejandra Chavez, and Berthaud, marks the beginning of what Berthaud hopes will be a lasting resource for the community.

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