Now, along S Odessa Street in Centennial, that familiar idea of “take one, leave one” has gotten a four-legged expansion.
A new neighborhood book lending library has been joined by a smaller companion library devoted to the dogs of Centennial, appropriately dubbed Bones, Balls & Barks. Together, the two handcrafted wooden boxes create a charming little community stop where both readers and their canine walking partners can discover something new.
The larger lending library is ready to become a miniature neighborhood bookshelf, giving residents a place to share novels, children’s books, mysteries, cookbooks, inspirational reads and whatever other literary treasures might be ready for a new home. Neighbors can take a book that catches their attention, return it when they are finished, replace it with another, or simply donate books for someone else to discover.
And then there is the smaller box.
Because apparently the dogs of Centennial have been wondering why humans get all the good lending-library action.
Bones, Balls & Barks gives neighbors an opportunity to share dog-friendly goodies such as gently used balls and toys, and other appropriate items that another pup might enjoy. It is a playful extension of the sharing-library concept and a reminder that community can include every member of the household, including the ones with tails.
The setting itself makes the new libraries especially inviting. Warm natural wood, colorful flowers and cheerful dog-themed touches transform the installation from a couple of boxes in a yard into a genuine neighborhood gathering point. It is the kind of place that might turn an ordinary evening dog walk into a chance to stop, browse and perhaps meet someone who lives a few houses away.
That may be the best part.
Centennial is a large city made up of individual neighborhoods, cul-de-sacs and streets. Community is often built through very small gestures: waving to someone walking past, sharing a recommendation, helping a neighbor or leaving behind something useful simply because someone else might enjoy it.
A lending library quietly does all of those things.
There is no complicated program behind it. The invitation is wonderfully straightforward: take something, share something and help keep the generosity going.
So if your travels bring you down S Odessa in Centennial, keep an eye out for the newest neighborhood libraries. You may head home with your next great read while your dog scores a new favorite ball.
And if you have a book sitting on your shelf waiting for another reader, or a perfectly good dog toy ready for its next tail-wagging chapter, consider bringing something along.
Because sometimes building a stronger Centennial community really can begin with a book, a bone, a ball and a bark. 🐾📚
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Such a heartwarming story. Might inspire me to finally sort through all those hardbacks I never read and donate a couple.
I just hope no one misuses it or takes all the good stuff. But, I’ll stay optimistic. Leaving some mystery novels next week!
Thank you for your optimism and for contributing some mysteries! The generosity of neighbors like you is exactly what keeps these libraries thriving for everyone.
Stuff like this is why I love Centennial. It’s not just about what’s inside the boxes, it’s about caring for others.
I drive down S Odessa a lot but never noticed this. Next time I’ll actually pull over and have a look.
Adding this to our route tomorrow. Books for me, new ball for the dog, and maybe a friend or two for both of us.
Finally, a project that gives back to BOTH humans and pups. My husky Skye says thank you!
Love this, just please, folks, double check toys aren’t broken or too small. Choking hazard for the big dogs!
Looks like S Odessa is getting all the best community fun lately. Centennial should scatter a few more of these around!
Simple gestures DO go a long way. I’ll add some cookbooks and a squeaky toy to the mix. Good way to clear out our extras.
Colorful flowers, books, dogs, I’m in! Our lab is going to be obsessed with this spot.
We love hearing that, this new spot really is a treat for book lovers and their four-legged pals alike! Hope your lab finds a favorite ball to take home.
Cool idea, but I hope people don’t just dump chewed-up stuff nobody wants. Still, will swing by with some dog treats this week.
Wish my old street had something like this! Books and dog toys together is just genius.
Something so simple, but it honestly does help you meet the neighbors. Picked up a thriller last year, and now I have a walking buddy.
Are there guidelines posted for what’s safe to donate to the dog box? Don’t want to see anything that can make dogs sick.
We live a couple streets away, my daughter likes to swap out our books all the time. Now the dog finally has reason to tag along, too!
Whoever thought up Bones, Balls & Barks deserves a treat! Community can be simple and this is proof.
Thank you! We agree, sometimes the most delightful ideas are also the simplest, Bones, Balls & Barks is proof that small gestures can bring a community together.
Love the handmade look. It feels more personal that way. Now my rescue pup and I have one more thing to look forward to on our route.
Such a cute addition! Centennial needs more of these little stops. S Odessa just made my weekend walk plans.
I’m all for sharing, just hope people keep the dog toys clean and safe for our pups. Sometimes folks leave old stuff that isn’t the best.
That’s adorable. Honestly, anything that brings neighbors out and gets folks talking is a win. Might have to donate some extra frisbees!
These little lending libraries always make me smile, but the dog box is such a creative touch. My two kids love leaving treats for the pups in our area.
We're so glad the dog box sparked some joy for your family, what a wonderful way for your kids to be part of spreading community kindness to both humans and pups!
Mike DaltonThat's so sweet! My neighbor's kids sometimes sneak their dog's favorite toys in too. It really is a fun way for everyone to get involved, not just the grownups.
My golden retriever is going to love this! We’re always losing tennis balls on our walks. Can’t wait to check it out next time we’re on S Odessa.