Little Free Libraries are popping up all over Mattapoisett and Marion, offering a small, free selection of books available 24/7.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that encourages literacy through book exchanges in tiny buildings (some might call them cabinets), that can be placed almost anywhere. Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin created the first one in 2009 and the idea caught on.

As of November, there were 50,000 Little Libraries registered with the nonprofit.

In October, Sippican Week reported on Charlie Bradley's handcrafted Little Free Library, which has since been posted outside the Music Hall in Marion.

Several have appeared in Mattapoisett as well.

Jessica Kelly of Isabelle's Gift Shop came up with the idea for a Little Library outside of the Ropewalk plaza. Kitchen and Bath Details donated a cabinet for the library, and Kelly added some books to get the exchange going.

“I just think it's such a great thing to do,” she said. “You read a good book and you want to share it.”

With kids at home, she said her family has a variety of books for different ages and the Little Library is a way for them and others to give a new home to books they've finished.

“It's cool to be able to browse and grab a good book,” she said.

The Ropewalk library isn't on the Little Free Library database yet, but there are two others in Mattapoisett.

The Watt family's library at 4 Edgewood Lane is personalized with painted flowers and has a guestbook inside where people can leave comments.

A note inside reads, “We are excited to have a space where neighbors can share a reading they enjoyed and explore books for future readings.”

Christine Watts, a librarian at Tabor Academy with a 10-year-old and a 13-year-old, said she wanted a Little Library for her birthday.

“I like the idea that you have a neighborhood reading exchange,” said Watts.

She hopes that people will find their way to Edgewood Lane, a dead-end road off North Street, and that they will find something good to read.

The library has books for kids, teens and adults, old and new classics, non-fiction, mystery and more.

At 18 Hammond St., Mary K. Briand's two-tiered library also has books for kids through adults, including some fantasy titles.

While on a business trip in Maryland, Briand saw a Little Library in a neighborhood.

“My mother was an English teacher and her best friend was a library, so it struck me as a fun thing to do,” Briand said.

With lots of pedestrians passing her home each day, she said, “I'm giving it a shot. I think it's going to catch on.”

A note in her Little Library invites patrons to take a book and add books. Bookmarks are also provided in the case to leave notes.

While these libraries are new, one owned by Mary Smoyer on Planting Island Road has been there around five years, and is a popular spot during the summer months.

“Sometimes it's packed with books. Sometimes it's practically empty. Some of the books are for young people. Some for older people. We have a variety,” said Smoyer's sister, Meg Howland.

Last Christmas, Howland gave her sister a new library.

“I decided to give her the Little Free Library one (from the organization's website) to spiff it up,” said Howland.

For summer visitors, year-round residents and those who can't remember to return their library books on time, the mini bookcases are a community- and family-friendly option.

“It's nice that there are no due dates. You can keep it or you can return it,” said Watts.

Anyone interested in setting up their own library can get more information on https://littlefreelibrary.org. Though not all owners register their addresses, the site also has a map with locations of Little Libraries.