ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Scattered across front yards and street corners, small book-filled boxes are bringing neighbors together in unexpected ways. Little Free Libraries, built on a simple “take a book, share a book” idea, have become beloved community touchpoints and part of a worldwide movement boasting more than 230,000 locations.
“I stumbled upon the world of Little Free Libraries and was instantly hooked,” explains Suzi James, founder of Tales in the Wild, a local initiative dedicated to maintaining and supporting these book exchanges.
What began as personal book donations has blossomed into a robust network, distributing approximately 600 books monthly across 59 Little Free Libraries throughout the county.
The concept is elegantly simple.
Community volunteers maintain collections in boxes often positioned at local parks, playgrounds, and public spaces.
People remove books they want to read and leave others in their place, creating an ongoing cycle of literary exchange.
Some stewards build custom boxes from repurposed microwaves, file cabinets, or vintage refrigerators, while others purchase chartered libraries—registered boxes that unlock perks like free books and online visibility.
“LFLs give access to limitless possibilities,” James emphasizes. This philosophy drives Tales in the Wild’s mission to increase book access, particularly in underserved areas. The initiative operates four libraries, including a traveling library James carries to community events.
Like any grassroots movement, Little Free Libraries face challenges.
Vandalism and neglect have threatened some boxes, but community resilience often prevails.
When Maravilla Park’s library was damaged, James chartered it with the nonprofit organization and posted signage. Upon returning to clean it, she discovered community members had already restored it.
Partnerships strengthen these efforts.
James collaborates with organizations like the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County and local businesses, including Honeybee Hollow Apothecary in Port St. Lucie, which hosts Little Free Library 101 workshops and book swaps.
The Little Free Library movement, which began in 2006 as a Minnesota tribute to a retired educator, demonstrates how simple ideas create meaningful community impact.
While not replacing traditional libraries, these 24/7 book exchanges provide crucial access for those with limited transportation or resources.
For Suzi James and fellow stewards, that’s what Tales in the Wild is really about: connecting neighbors through the universal language of storytelling.
The impact of these libraries extends beyond books; they foster a sense of belonging and encourage interaction among neighbors. Many residents report that the presence of an LFL sparks conversations, friendships, and even collaborative projects around literacy and creativity.
By turning everyday spaces into hubs for sharing and discovery, the movement continues to shape the cultural fabric of St. Lucie County.
These book-sharing boxes often reflect the personality and creativity of their stewards, adorned with colorful paint, inspirational quotes, or themes that resonate with the neighborhood. Some libraries even include benches or small gardens nearby, inviting passersby to linger and enjoy their selections in a welcoming environment.
If interested in volunteering with or donating books for, St. Lucie County’s Little Free Libraries, text Suzi James at 772-332-0387 or email talesinthewild@gmail.com. To learn more about Little Free Libraries, visit http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/.