Stonington — Visitors to Stonington Point and Mathews Park in the borough can now get a free book, thanks to a joint effort among the Stonington Free Library, the Stonington Village Improvement Association and technology students at the high school.

The three groups have erected two kiosks that are part of the Little Free Library network of 50,000 locations in more than 70 countries. Anyone may take a book or put a book in the kiosk.

Stonington Free Library Director Belinda de Kay said the idea had its origin several years ago, when resident Nick Kepple suggested having a box of books for people at duBois Beach at the point.

More recently she became aware of the Little Free Library organization. She said she reached out to SVIA board member Kathryn Burchenal, who told her the nonprofit group was looking for projects to do. Burchenal then got in touch with Stonington High School technology teacher Stephen Beale, who had some of his students build the two waterproof kiosks, saving the groups the cost of building them.

“This has just been a wonderful collaboration,” de Kay said.

Twice a week a library volunteer checks the kiosks and restocks them with extra books that have been donated to the library and that library staff members think readers would enjoy.

The groups are now discussing adding two more kiosks, possibly at the Town Dock playground and the James Merrill House, and adding themes to them such as children’s books and poetry.

“It's worked this year so we thought let’s do it again next year,” said Charlie Hatton, president of the SVIA board of trustees.

Hatton said the Little Free Library kiosks are just one of four projects the SVIA has taken on this year. The association has established a community calendar for the borough at www.sviastonington.org and made a donation to the La Grua Center to help defray the costs of its “Stonington Sounds” concert program.

It also is working on installing exercise equipment at various locations in the borough.

j.wojtas@theday.com