LIBRARIES SPREAD THE JOY OF READING 30A ALONG

What’s better than a book at the beach? Finding and sharing them in the most unexpected places, like a small library box filled with the favorite reads of people passing through, looking for that next good story to dive into.

This is what Victoria Sellers had in mind when she approached the Walton County Tourism Department about establishing her first book exchange at the Visitor Information Center.

“I love literacy, and there are so many benefits to these tiny libraries. They’re great for all ages!” says Sellers.

Indeed, the concept is easy and free: take a book and/or leave a book. Sellers says all books are welcome (though they have to fit in the 15 x 13-inch space), and she especially encourages sharing children’s and family books.

Sellers and her three children moved to Santa Rosa Beach from Niceville two years ago. “I love it here! It’s beautiful. I love the beach and the people.”

She was motivated to create the libraries after a chance conversation last summer with an elderly man. While they chatted about newspapers and other magazines, the man confessed he couldn’t read, which surprised and saddened Sellers. She realized she wanted to share the joy of reading and make it more accessible.

"t put a mission on my heart to put some of these little free libraries out there,” she explains.

Inspired to create the small book exchange, Sellers and her nine-yearold daughter Olivia got to work. She bought some sheets of plywood, searched online for plans, and began construction of her first tiny library box. She needed help with a roof, which Bel-Mac Roofing was happy to provide. The first books were from her home and donations from Butler Elementary School and Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

The next decision was a location—and the Visitor Information Center at the corner of U.S. Highways 331 and 98 was a top choice. “My daughter loves going to the tourism center,” says Sellers.

Christy Gibson, Visitor Information manager, agreed. “Immediately, we thought it would be a fantastic location for a tiny library, where visitors and residents come in and out,” says Gibson, adding, “What a great opportunity for someone traveling by plane or car who wants to grab a book for the journey.”

Sellers added a second tiny library in March at AJ’s Grayton Beach by the bicycle rack. Soon there will be a third tiny library at the Santa Clara Regional Beach Access in Seagrove, with two more beach access locations planned, supported by WCT Beach Operations.

Sellers checks her libraries twice a week and thinks she’s put out around one thousand books so far. She is thankful for support from Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Caring and Sharing of Walton County in “refilling” her libraries.

Sellers’ goal is to have tiny libraries all along the South Walton Scenic Corridor, which she and her family love. The book-sharing movement is not new, and there are other small, free public libraries located around South Walton.

Sellers loves the yellow sugar-covered bunny confections popularized at Easter and thought Peeps would be a fun way to promote the library locations. She drops a card listing the “30A Peep Show” at various 30A hot spots—and challenges cardholders to find the “Peep family traveling 30A” along with their favorite books. The card features a little yellow bunny sporting a glittery gold bikini—“because we’re at the beach,” Sellers emphasizes.

Indeed, inside each tiny library is a yellow bunny cutout.

Soon Sellers’ library books will feature a stamp inside each front cover with a 30A graphic and a bumblebee.“People come from all over the world to vacation here; a book stamp with ‘30A’ will remind them of the interesting times they had,” she says.

Janie Blue X Maison De Bleu

VIE and Corcoran Reverie real estate held a private book signing reception and show home tour on July 12 featuring Suzy Accola of Q + lemontree design and developer Jim Accola of Coastal Elements Construction. Guests enjoyed an evening celebrating the launch of Suzy’s romantic thriller novel, Janie Blue, music by Sammi Accola and Reese Nobile, hors d’oeuvres, and libations while enjoying an Accoladeveloped and designed show home, Maîson de Bleu in WaterColor, Florida. Food was prepared by chef/sommelier Nathan Davis of The Polished Chef, and floral arrangements were provided by Rose & Co. Suzy signed copies of her book for guests, who also toured the home for sale by Corcoran Reverie.

Jonah Allen Studio Grand Opening

Congratulations to South Walton, Florida, fine art photographer Jonah Allen on opening his new studio and gallery at Greenway Station in Seagrove Beach on June 22! Guests poured into the newly minted space to browse Allen’s gorgeous aerial, shoreline, and underwater photos, enjoy tunes from DJ Dad, sample small bites from Swiftly Catered and drinks from Palmfolly, and check out Allen’s debut coffee-table book, Where Waters Meet

PICKLE’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Pickle’s Burgers & Shakes in Seaside, Florida, started in just forty-eight square feet and has grown in many ways, most recently by adding and opening Pickle’s Sandbar this February. Seaside locals and friends of Pickle’s, owned and operated by The Dawson Group, joined in celebrating the iconic outdoor diner’s thirtieth anniversary on June 1, and it was a party to remember!

OAK GROVE AT EDEN’S LANDING LAUNCH PARTY

Corcoran Reverie real estate hosted a tour of the beautiful new site for Phase Two of Eden’s Landing, Oak Grove, brought to the market by co-brokers Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins. Thirty-two stunning homesites will break ground in the heart of Point Washington, Florida. Oak Grove offers a variety of floor plans, borders the beautiful Eden Gardens State Park, and is anchored by the large park in the middle of the community. Follow along with @hilaryandjacob on Instagram for more details, or visit OakGroveatEden.com/oak-grove.

Blue Angels 2023 Season Kickoff

Since 1946, it has been the honor of the Blue Angels flight team to represent the United States Navy and Marine Corps to audiences locally and abroad as they showcase the excitement, precision, and power of naval aviation. Comprising 138 world-class, activeduty sailors and marines with a home base in Pensacola, Florida, they are honored to serve as the representatives of the more than 800,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian men and women currently serving worldwide.

The Zoo Gallery X Butch Anthony

Locals and visitors enjoyed a fantastic showcase by artist Butch Anthony at The Zoo Gallery in Grayton Beach on June 27. Anthony has been a transformative figure in contemporary art, showcasing work across the United States and abroad. Based in Seale, Alabama, his Museum of Wonder Drive-Thru exhibit has delighted passers-through since the 1970s with oddities and artwork, and guests got a taste of it with a unique installation at The Zoo!

Solution on next page