Earlier in the week I knew I wanted to get out and do something this weekend, but I couldn’t think of anything that was nearly free, until a friend told me about the Book Exchange box at the City Hall. It had reminded me of other boxes I’ve seen in Palm Coast and decided to make a day of it, since gas was all I was willing to spend.
I started by going on a scavenger hunt online for more locations and after over an hour of research I found the Free Little Libraries app! Yes, it’s real and It made my search even faster.
Why You Should Try This
If you’re looking for something to do – this is your sign.
It’s perfect for when you don’t want to spend money, but you’re okay with “wasting gas” but still crave the feeling of doing something. No “how did I just spend $40?” moments. No regretful receipts. Just you, the road, and unexpected finds.
Stop 1: Poppy’s True Market – Bunnell
Our first stop, Poppy’s True Market. Their book exchange is white with a black roof in a flower pot and can be found on E Moody Blvd. and Peach St. next to their welcome sign. Although I didn’t find anything I was interested in, I left stickers and I went inside to find out what this big white house is.
Poppy’s True Market, and even though I didn’t take a deep dive while I was there (I’m on a mission) it’s the kind of place you could easily wander through for a while. It’s set inside a charmingly restored historic home and feels more like a curated experience than a typical shop. They offer a mix of antiques, vintage home décor, and unique finds filled by different local vendors, so you’ll also come across things like plants, books, art, clothing, handmade goods. It feels like every room has a personality, especially their color coordinated book shelf wall. They also host regular events and pop-ups, which makes it more than just a shop—it’s a creative hub for the community.
Check out their website for upcoming events and products!
Stop 2: The Art Exchange Box – 31 Buttonwood Ln, Palm Coast
This one? Pure magic… I found this spot on the B Section Neighborhood Group Facebook page. And I was immediately obsessed.
The box is located on a corner lot, so it’s very easy to find. It’s also white with a black roof. Instead of books, it’s a place for the local community kids…and kids at heart. To exchange anything from hand made jewelry, art supplies, handmade crafts, stickers…It’s like a tiny treasure chest left out in the wild.
I left behind stickers, a beaded bracelet, and a dream catcher. In exchange for a cowboy hat charm and a keychain…that perfectly matched a bracelet my mom had found just a week prior. Tell me that wasn’t meant to be today!
Note – The box does have a lock on it. You must find the residents post on the Facebook page (above) for the code. They post the Exchanges inventory regularly and responded to me quickly.
Stop 3: Palm Coast Public Library
Did you know that free books are available at our local library? I had no idea.
When you walk in the main entrance, on the right hand side is a small book shelf, almost easy to miss while walking in – I cant wait to randomly stop by now. Today, I passed up on the books, but I saw two VHS tapes, movies that I love. I’m going to look up ways to upcycle the covers. Maybe a book mark or my junk journal?
Above the shelf, there is also a neon sign that says Book Store that is around the corner with books for sale. Very, very tempting, but I’m still on a mission for a almost free day.
Stop 4: Palm Coast Community Center
This stop was one of my favorites that I found on the app.
This book exchange is located on the play ground at Palm Coast Community Center on Palm Coast Pkwy and Club House Dr. I can’t think of a better place to put a Little Free Library. This combination is a great way to further promote exercise and reading to kids, teens and even us adults.
When you walk into the play grounds outside gate closest to the building, you can find one short box for younger kids and a taller box for teens/adults. I left a few teen books in exchange for some vintage Readers Digest. I love the way these books look on my book shelf. And maybe I can get Pagecasso to do a fold for me.
Stop 5: 25 White Dove Ln, Palm Coast
This book exchange I popped up on the app and it’s located in a residential neighborhood on a curved road so be cautious. The box is grey with a black roof standing within a garden area in the front yard.
I felt a little shy walking onto a strangers property without it being Halloween, but I had to remind myself that they put this here on purpose for this reason—An open invitation, not an intrusion.
I exchanged a Self Improvement book with another. I heard about Who Moved My Cheese all my life but somehow never picked it up.
Stop 6: Palm Coast City Hall
Stop six, was the third Palm Coast government building I visited to have a Little Free Library, but I’m sure there’s more to find. I saw a couple locations in or around Bunnell government buildings, but my trip was coming to an end. I love how popular this is. I feel like this act is such a cute, fun, low effort way to connect with your local community.
This book exchange is made of red wood, located in front of the Palm Coast City Hall at Central Park with a scenic view of the well know lake and fountain, which can also be found on the app.
While I didn’t come across anything I wanted to take home this time, there was a moment that made me laugh – while we were browsing, a man walking by called out, “You got your library cards?” like we were about to check out books! Some of my favorite moments in life are those small, unexpected interactions that makes you feel seen and adds to your life story.
If you’re unfamiliar with Town Center and the lake. This area of Palm Coast regulary host community events like: The Annual Christmas Light walk, Trunk r Treat, Food Truck days, etc.
Check out their website for their monthly calendar.
How many animals can you spot in this photo?
Stop 7: Hi Tulip Café, Flagler Beach
The next book exchange was at the Hi Tulip Cafe, located on US 100 before going over the bridge. I love this restaurant! But I always eat outside so I’ve never seen this until recently.
This box is grey and huge with lots to choose from, standing at the front entrance. I didn’t dive to the back, but I did notice a lot of romance selections that I was not interested in. I only had one more book available to trade and decided to hold off just in case.
Stop 8: 21 Lloyd Trail, Palm Coast
For the last stop of the day, this little library is a bright blue with black roof in the front yard, located in a residential neighborhood that I found on a Facebook community page.
And I knew I was going to find a gem – I exchanged a teen book for A Walk to Remember! Although I’ve read it, I cant wait to upcycle the pages!
A heartfelt thank you to the citizens, businesses, and city spaces who’ve created these moments of connection. It’s a simple, generous gesture that quietly adds a joy to the community.
Tips for Your Own Little Library Day
Want to try this in your own area?
- Use the Little Free Library app
- Check local Facebook community pages
- Pack snacks and drinks so you’re not tempted to spend money
- Bring books, crafts, or little treasures to trade
- Keep an open mind, not every stop will be a win… but that’s part of the fun
This is outing reminds you that fun doesn’t have to be expensive… it just has to be a little bit intentional and curious.
No pressure. No spending. Just discovery. And maybe… a few “meant to be” moments along the way.
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