The Cochise County Library District has opened its first free book box, which is part of a grant program designed to reach rural locations throughout the county to offer books and encourage reading.

The library district held a special ceremony to celebrate the opening and to honor the young artists who decorated the boxes that will be used for the program.

The first box of the new program, which contains over 150 books for all ages, was sponsored by Palominas Elementary School. Artwork for the box was created by Coronado Elementary School first-graders with a theme of “Get Your Hands On A Book.”

“The Cochise County Library District deeply appreciates the support of the Arizona State Library, and the assistance of the many community partners who have contributed their time and effort to make this project a success,” Cochise County Library District director Amadee Ricketts said in a press release.

Two additional book boxes will be coming to the Mustang Corner Shell Station on South Towner Avenue in Whetstone near the Port of Entry in Naco.

The Book Box project is funded by a library services and technology grant from the Arizona State Library Archives & Public Records, which is a division of the secretary of state, and federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.