Nancy Gresham stands next to the Lending Library Tuesday on the third floor of UHV University Center. Gresham created the library to give individuals a place to share their favorite books.

When Nancy Gresham realized she had multiple copies of the same book, her first thought was to take the duplicate to a used bookstore. But then she remembered something she’d seen online and decided to recreate it at the University of Houston-Victoria.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of posts on social media about those cute little lending libraries that let people borrow and share their favorite books,” she said. “I decided I wanted to take some of my duplicate books and others I’ve finished and start one at the university.”

Gresham, the executive administrative assistant to the university’s president, set up the Lending Library on the third floor of UHV University Center, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. The library began with a small selection of about a dozen books from her personal collection, and it has already grown to include 36 books of a variety of genres, including detective novels, thrillers, love stories, biographies and even modern classics such as “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg.

Gresham’s love for reading began at an early age. She remembers reading the “Bunnicula” series and other stories in elementary school, and that led to a lifelong fascination with the written word.

“Now, I can’t go to bed at night without doing some reading first,” she said. “Lately I’ve been enjoying novels that feature drama with a hint of romance. I hope this library will be a place where people can find something they enjoy and share their own favorites with others.”

There aren’t any set rules when using the library, Gresham said. The main purpose is to promote reading and encourage people to share what they love and find something new. Readers can exchange a book for one of their own or take a book off the shelf and return it when they finish.

As the year goes on, Gresham plans to add to the Lending Library as she finds more great books to read. She likes to attend events such as the monthly Book and Mug swap at Blume & Flour Bakery + Coffee Bar in downtown Victoria.

“More than anything, I hope this will be a place that encourages people to take some time and find something they love,” she said. “Whether it’s reading, writing, coloring or any other creative activity, it’s important for people to take time to unwind and do something they love.”