The Cochrane Public Library is offering a free workshop not just to promote literacy, but to build community.

The library will host a one day makeathon of building your own 'little free library.'

The family build workshop will include all your materials that you will need to build your own library box which you can take home and decorate as you like. The iniative started 5 or 6 years ago in the United States and is popping up in communities across the country where the idea is simple; take a book, leave a book.

Jeri Maitland, Cochrane Public Library, Executive Director, says it is a great way to meet your neighbours for both adults and children alike.

"You will should find everything in there; fiction, non-fiction, children's books. I just think it is kind of a free-for-all you will never really know what you are going to find in there unless you look."

Gail Ames, Cochrane Public Library, Public Services Assistant, says the take it or leave it book service can even be registered.

"You can actually go on littlefreelibrary.org and register your free little library, then you will be on a GPS map so if you are anywhere in the area you can pop by and pick up a book or leave one."

It is a great way to recycle your book material, adds Maitland. "It's a free thing, it manages itself, it self regulates, and I really like the fact that it is a serendipitous thing. You might stumble across something that you hadn't thought to read before, but because it's there take it home-and if you don't like it walk it down, back down the street, and put it back in the box."

Once built, the little free library can be added to your own yard or in a community setting if you have received consent. Even businesses can get on board, Cochrane's Coffee Traders plan to add one to their porch.

Maitland says if all goes well they will host another makeathon in 2017.

"Wouldn't it be fun if we were the town with the most little free library boxes?! Maybe we will see if we can do a world record."

The build will occur on October 15, from 10 am-4pm and is suitable for all ages. To participate you must register by Saturday, October 8 to ensure the library has enough materials, you can do so here.

Ames says the workshop is sponsored by the Cochrane Public Library and they are accepting donations.