Alexis and Kara ready for business. Photo by Burton Weast

Alexis and Kara ready for business.
Photo by Burton Weast

Two enterprising sisters, Kara Morris, age seven and Alexis Burnham, age 12, take their reading seriously. When asked what their favorite store is they both say “Barnes and Noble.”

An order from mom to clean their rooms and their love of reading led to the creation of the “Little Library” on Hermosa Way in the Desert Rose neighborhood of Mesquite. Alexis said “We wanted to share our extra books rather than just give them away.”

To create shelves, the two cleared out an old dollhouse and stocked it with books. Their dad, Van Morris, also got in the act and added a few thrillers. On May 21 they had a grand opening and dozens of kids showed up from all over the neighborhood.

The Little Library shelves with the ribbon ready for cutting. Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris

The Little Library shelves with the ribbon ready for cutting.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris

Kara attends J.L. Bowler Elementary School and Alexis is homeschooled by her dad and mom, Kathy Morris. Mom helped

Dad Van Morris holds the ribbon for daughter Kara to open the Little Library. Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris

Dad Van Morris holds the ribbon for daughter Kara to open the Little Library.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris

out with the grand opening by making cookies that looked like bookmarks. The library is now two weeks old, and kids keep coming. “We have about fifteen kids on our street and most of them have already been to the library several times,” said Mom.

The two girls hope to keep the library open all summer. Kids can borrow books or keep them but all are asked to help keep the library stocked. All kids are welcome – just bring your love of reading.

The crowd at the Little Library grand opening. Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris

The crowd at the Little Library grand opening.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Morris