Photo by Sarah Anne Hughes.

As electronic book readers become more popular, actual books are going the way of the CD. But for some residents, now seems like the perfect time to share their physical literature collection with the rest of their community.

A Little Free Library allows residents to put a structure outside their homes filled with books that can be taken by anyone. There are at least five Little Free Libraries in D.C., the first created near Meridian Hill Park in November 2012.

The newest is on the 1400 block of F Street NE, in front of Devon and John Steven’s home.

Devon Steven said she received a Little Free Library as a Christmas gift years after learning about the program from her husband. The Stevens put up their library this week.

“The response has already been phenomenal,” Steven said. “We’ve lived in our neighborhood for just under two years, but I’m continually warmed by the spirit of community shared by our neighbors. Everyone has been so supportive and enthusiastic. We’ve already had several offers of book donations and I’ll start adding those to the collection this week. We had five books borrowed on our first day, despite the awful weather, so I think we’ll have to stay on our toes to keep our library well-stocked.”

Steven said she hopes to “create a conversation about reading in the neighborhood” — “less formal than a book club, but a good way to share ideas and suggestions about books we’re reading.”

“Books are a wonderful conversation starter,” she added. “Even if you don’t know anything else about a stranger, if you’re both holding a book, you have something to start with.”

Updates about the Little Free Library on F Street can be found on its blog.