IF YOU WANT TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE PANTRY OR LIBRARY PLEASE USE THIS LINK 

Money donated via this petition goes to Change.org. It does does not fund the pantry or library!

My name is Ace and I live in the Forest Park neighborhood of Boynton Beach, FL. I grew up here, left for college, and returned in 2019. In 2021, my partner Derek and I were excited to establish a Little Free Pantry and Little Free Library on our property to provide non-perishable food, toiletries, and books to our community. The Little Free Pantry was built with assistance from the B’nai Torah Congregation's TLC Charlie Fund. At the time, we were told that neither structure needed a permit nor further permission. For almost five years, the Little Free Library and Pantry fostered community spirit, an excitement for reading, and support for those in need. 

Unfortunately, our Little Free Pantry and Little Free Library are now under attack. After a code complaint was filed by someone who doesn't even live in our neighborhood, the city is forcing us to remove the structures because they do not comply with the code as it is currently written. 

Little Free Libraries and Pantries are proven benefits to communities. A 2024 study found that 92% of children have access to more books because of a Little Free Library in their community. 98% of people say their neighborhoods feels like a friendlier place because of a Little Free Library. Little Free Libraries also mean kids read more frequently  and start to build their own library of books at home. Similarly, Little Free Pantries offer a safety net and supplement to the nearly 60,000 people in Palm Beach County who use SNAP benefits. 

Derek and I believe in the power of fostering community connections. Our Little Free Library and Little Free Pantry reduce food insecurity and promote literacy in our community. We also aren't the only ones  who maintain a Little Free Library or Little Free Pantry in Boynton Beach. 

Luckily, there's an easy fix. Our City Commission has the power to amend current Land Development Regulations in Boynton Beach to include exemptions for these structures. Several cities across the U.S., including those in Washington and Louisiana, have already made exemptions for Little Free Libraries and Pantries, recognizing their value and importance to the community. Neighboring cities Lake Worth Beach and Delray Beach have done the same—Lake Worth boasts more than 120 Little Free Libraries as of 2025! We believe Boynton Beach should follow suit and celebrate neighborly support and generosity.

Please join us in urging the Boynton Beach City Commission to amend the Land Development Regulations and protect our Little Free Libraries. Caring for our communities is a value that should be shared across the political spectrum. We envision a Boynton Beach where everyone has access to books, food, and other necessities, and signing this petition can help make a positive change in our city today.

Petition signers can also contact their City Commissioners via email (HayW@bbfl.us; KelleyA@bbfl.us; TurkinT@bbfl.us; CruzA@bbfl.us; and SheltonR@bbfl.us) or leave a voicemail via telephone at 561-742-6010.  Boynton Beach Residents can attend the City Commission Meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 6 PM Eastern to speak during Public Comment. City Hall is located at 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, Fl 33435.