\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSuzanne James, known as “the book lady,” has made it her passion to support little free libraries by organizing and distributing hundreds of books each month to inspire her Fort Pierce community. A moment of joy: News We Love”I started feeding them, and I thought, well, we’ll feed them and see what happens, and I shared with friends that I was doing this, and the next thing you know I had 800 books in my garage,” James said. A few years ago, James discovered a little free library during a trip. “Some good vintage ‘Babysitter’s Club,’ ‘Pippi Longstocking.’ I think there’s a ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ in here. Those are a fan-favorite,” she said. Little free libraries are small bookcases filled with new and gently used books for people of all ages to take and share their own books for others to enjoy. “Reading is a gateway to the imagination, to creativity, not just for children but for adults,” James said. Her discovery led her to a grassroots community effort called “Tales in the Wild,” which focuses on “feeding and loving” little free libraries and supporting their stewards everywhere. “There’s so much to be had to just opening a book, getting an idea, and letting your imagination just go,” she said. The little free library movement began in 2009 with a single bookcase built by a teacher as a tribute to his late mother, who was also a teacher. Since then, the initiative has grown to include 225,000 libraries worldwide.James has embraced the movement, filling her local libraries with 600 to 800 books per month, organizing them in her garage. “These little children went by on their bicycles, and they stopped, and they said, ‘That’s where the book lady lives,'” James said. On this day, James received recognition for her efforts. “We want to present you with our July Community Champion Award for all the work you do in our community,” a Guardian Credit Union representative said. “On behalf of Guardians, we would like to reward you with a small token of our appreciation for the community efforts you’ve done.””We love rewarding those that are giving back to the community. Suzanne is doing a fantastic job for our Fort Pierce area,” another representative said. “Oh my gosh, I’m overwhelmed, I’m touched, and certainly so appreciative. Thank you all, thank you all so much,” James said. Her story of service continues, inspiring others to open a book and let their imagination soar.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tFORT PIERCE, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Suzanne James, known as “the book lady,” has made it her passion to support little free libraries by organizing and distributing hundreds of books each month to inspire her Fort Pierce community. <\/p>\n
A moment of joy: News We Love<\/a><\/p>\n “I started feeding them, and I thought, well, we’ll feed them and see what happens, and I shared with friends that I was doing this, and the next thing you know I had 800 books in my garage,” James said. <\/p>\n A few years ago, James discovered a little free library during a trip. <\/p>\n “Some good vintage ‘Babysitter’s Club,’ ‘Pippi Longstocking.’ I think there’s a ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ in here. Those are a fan-favorite,” she said. <\/p>\n Little free libraries are small bookcases filled with new and gently used books for people of all ages to take and share their own books for others to enjoy. <\/p>\n “Reading is a gateway to the imagination, to creativity, not just for children but for adults,” James said. <\/p>\n Her discovery led her to a grassroots community effort called “Tales in the Wild,” which focuses on “feeding and loving” little free libraries and supporting their stewards everywhere. <\/p>\n “There’s so much to be had to just opening a book, getting an idea, and letting your imagination just go,” she said. <\/p>\n The little free library movement began in 2009 with a single bookcase built by a teacher as a tribute to his late mother, who was also a teacher. Since then, the initiative has grown to include 225,000 libraries worldwide.<\/p>\n James has embraced the movement, filling her local libraries with 600 to 800 books per month, organizing them in her garage. <\/p>\n “These little children went by on their bicycles, and they stopped, and they said, ‘That’s where the book lady lives,'” James said. <\/p>\n On this day, James received recognition for her efforts. <\/p>\n “We want to present you with our July Community Champion Award for all the work you do in our community,” a Guardian Credit Union representative said. <\/p>\n “On behalf of Guardians, we would like to reward you with a small token of our appreciation for the community efforts you’ve done.”<\/p>\n “We love rewarding those that are giving back to the community. Suzanne is doing a fantastic job for our Fort Pierce area,” another representative said. <\/p>\n “Oh my gosh, I’m overwhelmed, I’m touched, and certainly so appreciative. Thank you all, thank you all so much,” James said. <\/p>\n Her story of service continues, inspiring others to open a book and let their imagination soar.<\/p>\n Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25<\/a><\/p>\n