BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -  

The Bakersfield community is continuing to pay it forward in honor of community activist Wendy Wayne, who died of cancer in June.

On Wednesday, the first of several Wendy's Words Little Free Libraries popped up in northwest Bakersfield today.

The libraries will not only memorialize Wendy Wayne , but will also encourage s reading throughout the community.

"Our philosophy was to make the world a better place, so if you've read an enjoyable book, then your mind is better to work on making the world better," said Gene Tackett, Wayne's husband.

The libraries will be put up in various neighborhoods around town and will operate on the take a-book, leave-a-book system.

"Every afternoon , kids are here from all over the neighborhood," said Susan Reep, a friend of Wayne's. "This so much fun to watch. They sit on the bench. They're reading books. One little girl wrote a book report and put it in the library. They're having a blast, and it is so cool to see."

The mini libraries also spread Wayne's philosophy throughout town. Each book has a page with a quote and some of her words of wisdom.

"She would love this idea," said Reep. "She would love the community focus of it -- that I know. She'd love the fact that it's books. She'd love everything about it."

Reep said the goal is to make the community a better place to be, which is something Wayne dedicated her life to.

"You start with a book, you get an idea , and then you can make it happen," said Tackett. "I think this is a fitting tribute to Wendy."

In addition to the one in a northwest Bakersfield neighborhood, there are 11 Words libraries around town in the process of being built.