A trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is all about relishing in moments that feel like an escape from the everyday, making it the perfect place to disappear into new worlds in the pages of a good book. From serene beaches to charming coastal towns, the best spot to enjoy a couple chapters is waiting for you. Read on for some of the best spots to enjoy a book and some of the over thirty “Little Free Libraries” across the Brunswick Islands ready to add a little adventure, mystery, or romance to your visit.  

Toes in the Sand and Nose in a Book:

There is no better feeling than sticking your toes in the sand and your nose in a book along any of the 45 miles of uncrowded and pristine beaches in the Brunswick Islands. With the sun on your back and the salt breeze blowing, stories come alive in new ways. Whether you prefer to set up a beach chair before diving into a maritime epic or taking a walk out to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox to sit in the setting of a Nicholas Sparks novel, you cannot go wrong with a book at the beach.

Not sure where to find your next sandy literary escape? Stop by the “Little Free Libraries” on the islands of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island, and Holden Beach. These standing treasures boxes invite you to take a look and share a book with other beachgoing bookworms.

You'll find this library at 234 W First Street in Ocean Isle Beach.

Immersed by the Intracoastal:

Is that novel in need of a soundtrack? Immerse yourself in a marshland mystery while the melodies of nature score the scene. Grab a seat at the benches in Sailfish Park or a live oak-shaded swing in Sunset Beach Park and prepare to be transported. Spare a glance for the bird species that fly overhead and the calm views of the Intracoastal Waterway before diving into that next chapter. There are libraries waiting to be discovered nearby on the island of Holden Beach and at the Old Bridge Museum in Sunset Beach. Borrow a book for yourself or drop one off for another lucky visitor.

You can find this cute library at the Old Bridge Museum in Sunset Beach.

Fall Into a Fairytale:

With its picturesque side streets, quaint local shops, and charming coastal atmosphere, the idyllic town of Southport looks like a world straight out of a fairytale. Itself the setting for several books and films, you may even catch a familiar feeling while sinking deeper into the story in your hands. Whether you prefer reading non-fiction biographies in the shadow of historic Fort Johnston or falling head over heels for a romance like Safe Haven, set along the Yacht Basin, Southport has the spots to support your next day of reading. Take a book or leave a book at the “Little Free Library” in Keziah Memorial Park before making your way one block to the water or a nearby cozy café.

Look for this library overlooking the benches in Keziah Park in Southport.

Children's Books

Take story time to the beach! You can find "Little Free Libraries" with children's books in many community parks across the Brunswick Islands. These dedicated book boxes are here to make sure bookworms of any age can enjoy a good story. Explore the "Little Free Library" World Map below to find the source of your child's next adventure. 

Find this colorful children's library by the playground in Ocean Isle Beach Park.

Where Else to Find a “Little Free Library”:

Interested in visiting other parts of the Brunswick Islands? There are “Little Free Libraries” located in convenient locations across the mainland and many more on the islands. Check out this World Map to find the one nearest your next vacation spot. For our mobile readers, make sure to enable your location before searching for the nearest library.

Ready to start planning your next literary escape in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands? Visit here for more information.