Luci's Mobile Free Library

Why am I working a second full-time job where I make absolutely no money—and instead, personally pay for the privilege?

Were you that kid at the Scholastic Book Fair who could only afford an eraser, a pencil, or a bookmark, while everyone else walked away with the exciting, popular new books? Me too. I know exactly how it feels to want to read so badly, but to look at a price tag and realize those worlds are out of reach. That feeling stayed with me. My mother absolutely did her best but I still remember. Today, I am on a mission to make sure no child or family ever has to feel that way again. I want to bring that magical, "brand-new book" feeling to as many people as possible—completely free.

Hi, I'm Lucinda Pierce (Luci Hime). I believe that a book can change a life, but only if it gets into the right hands. My mission is simple: I bring the library to the people who need it.

I pack up a massive, diverse collection of literature and travel directly to local schools, shelters, hospitals, clinics, churches, and community events across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Anywhere families gather, we are there. We give away children’s books, adult fiction, educational materials, self-help books, foreign language texts, graphic novels, and everything in between. And here is the most important part: while we love when books are returned to be enjoyed by someone else, **returns are never required.**

Because we don't force people to return books, we don't qualify for major government assistance programs, like the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program. But requiring returns creates barriers. For many of the families we support, transportation issues, inflexible work schedules, and difficult living arrangements make a traditional library system impossible to navigate. By removing the rules, we ensure true, equal access to literacy.

We are also deeply committed to sustainability. Every month, we rescue pre-loved books from landfills and dusty shelves, giving them a vibrant second life with families who will cherish them both locally and internationally. Since October 2025, we have distributed well over 22,000 books.

To keep this momentum going, our entirely self-funded mobile library needs your help. Your support directly funds our unique physical necessities.

The Books: While most of our inventory is donated, your funds allow me to personally purchase hard-to-find titles and books that address highly specific, critical needs (such as processing emotions, dealing with domestic violence, or navigating military deployments).

The Setup: We need rugged, portable equipment like heavy-duty shelving, weather-resistant bins, and transport gear to keep our collection safe and organized on the road.

The Storage (Our Most Pressing Need): With thousands of books constantly moving in and out, we desperately need a dedicated, secure storage space to keep our inventory dry, clean, sorted, and ready for distribution.

The Flair: Believe it or not, our biggest hurdle is often convincing people that we aren't a trap. Parents see us and instinctively walk past because they worry about hidden costs. Kids worry the books will be boring. Families worry that a return policy will add another chore to an already impossible schedule. We need "the flair"—bright banners, signs, balloons, t-shirts, bookmarks, bubbles, and decorations. This eye-catching book themed gear stops families in their tracks, gives us a moment to talk to them, and allows us to prove that reading is a joy, a gift, and 100% free.

Every single dollar helps us turn the page toward a brighter, more literate future. Whether you can give $5 or $500, you are directly placing a life-changing book into the hands of someone who needs it. Thank you for joining the journey. Please consider donating, sharing our story, and helping us bring the magic of reading to our communities!

Donate to Help Luci’s Mobile Library bring books to families in need, organized by Lucis Mobile Free Library Were you that kid at the Scholastic Book Fair who could only… Lucis Mobile Free Library needs your support for Help Luci’s Mobile Library bring books to families in need

Final Edit: Although I'm not having an official "open house" today, Saturday 9/26/26, because of the afternoon rain, I will be in and out of my garage organizing everything, so you are more than welcome to stop by. The rain starts around 3, but even after that, you are welcome to pick through everything in my garage. My phone number is 803-316-1663. Stop by anytime.

Update: To honor Dolly’s Legacy and celebrate 9.25, I am hosting two more Open Houses for Luci’s Mobile Library at my home this week. The location is 7919 Viola Street in Springfield, VA. Everyone is welcome, especially teachers/homeschoolers/parents.

1st session is Thursday, 9/24/26 from 5:30-8:30 and 2nd session is 9/25/26 5:30-8:30.
If either session is rained out, I may add a final open house on Saturday, 9/26/26.

I will have lots of textbooks, homeschool curriculum, class book sets, and lots of other books, all available for free. I do accept donations, but they are ABSOLUTELY NOT REQUIRED.

Here is my GoFundMe link; please feel free to share it so I can keep the library going for free.
https://gofund.me/7fa1dd9a6

I still have an enormous amount of school, homeschool, teaching supplies, and regular books for your classroom libraries. I would definitely need a few volunteers and to borrow a few folding tables, but please PM me if you’re interested!! Thanks!