Isles of Capri Park Children’s Little Free Library Officially Open

Isles of Capri Park officially welcomed a new Children’s Little Free Library on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that honored six Isles of Capri residents for their creativity and volunteerism.

The Little Free Library project located in Isles of Capri Park was led by the Capri Park Committee. It resulted in a collaborative effort involving artists, volunteers, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Capri Community Inc. (CCI), and the Isles of Capri Bocce League.

The project began with Isles of Capri resident Mike Cox, who custom-built the Little Free Library based on a design from the Capri Park Committee that was approved by Collier County. The structure was thoughtfully designed with generous shelf space to accommodate large children’s books on both shelves. Cox also generously shared his tools, supplies, and time.

After construction, Paul Westberry volunteered his time to sand, prime, and paint the entire structure, carefully preparing it for the artwork that would follow.

Four Isles of Capri artists transformed the Little Free Library into a true work of art:

Marietta Cox painted the back panel with a serene scene of white ibises, including a special pink ibis honoring “Pinky,” a beloved bird that lived around East and West Pago Pago Drive and East and West Hilo Street.

Margot Puleri created the vibrant front panel featuring local fish species, including sheepshead, tarpon, snapper, snook, mullet, and redfish.

Mary Kay Mickiewicz added a playful underwater scene filled with fish, dolphins, sharks, seahorses, stingrays, and an octopus.

Julie Gauthier completed the final side with charming burrowing owls for the perfect finishing touch.

Each artist donated their time and supplies to the project.

The Little Free Library was installed on December 8, 2025, with the assistance of Collier County Parks and Recreation staff members Osvaldo Sanchez (Field Supervisor I), Hector Cervantes (Crew Leader), and Jesus Martinez (Maintenance Worker). The team marked the site, dug the post holes, poured concrete, and secured the structure, ensuring a professional installation.

The project also received support from Commissioner Rick LoCastro, James Hanrahan, Tanya Williams, and Jeanine McPherson, who assisted with guidance through the permitting and approval process.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Nicole Esch, Capri Park Committee Chair, presented awards recognizing six residents for their outstanding contributions:

• Isles of Capri Creative Builder Award – Mike Cox.

• Isles of Capri Creative Artist Awards – Marietta Cox, Margot Puleri, Mary Kay Mickiewicz, and Julie Gauthier.

• Isles of Capri Volunteer Award – Paul Westberry.

Each honoree received a certificate and gift, and photos were taken in front of the Little Free Library to commemorate the occasion.

A ribbon cutting followed with the first children being able to get books from the Little Free Library. The event concluded with snacks, refreshments, bookmark and ornament craft tables, ball pits, games, fun photo spot, and Christmas stockings with treats.

All are welcome to visit Isles of Capri Park located at 139 Capri Boulevard to see the beautiful art located on the four sides of the new Children’s Little Free Library and to visit for a book.