A beloved local pizzeria on the Treasure Coast is serving up much more than just a great slice. Big Apple Pizza, a staple in the Fort Pierce community, is officially expanding its heartwarming free book program to accommodate a growing demand from young readers.
For years, owner Scott Van Duzer has maintained shelves stocked with free books inside the restaurant, encouraging children to take one home at no cost. As the popularity of the program surged, the restaurant simply ran out of indoor space. To solve this wonderful problem, the team is currently transforming their outdoor patio into a permanent, dedicated reading room.
“We have so many books and we are trying to keep ahead of the game that we have turned our porch into what’s going to be the reading room. So now anytime a child stops by they can get a book free of charge no questions asked.”
This community-driven initiative stems from a deeply personal place. Van Duzer credits his mother for instilling a strong sense of philanthropy in him from a young age, noting that despite not having much growing up, she always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. Witnessing the excitement of children discovering a new story has become one of the most rewarding parts of operating the restaurant.
Here are a few key details about the upcoming expansion and how families can participate:
- Project Timeline: Construction on the new patio reading room is currently underway and is expected to be completed later this fall.
- Current Availability: Until the new space is finished, children are still welcome to pick up free books inside the restaurant.
- No Purchase Necessary: Whether families stop in for a full dinner or just pop by to browse the shelves, every child is welcome to take a book home, no questions asked.
- Location: You can visit the restaurant and grab a book at 2311 S 35th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
By making literature easily accessible in a fun, relaxed, and family-friendly environment, Big Apple Pizza is helping to foster a lifelong love of reading for children across the greater Treasure Coast region. This creative expansion is a perfect reminder of the positive impact local businesses can have on the youth in their neighborhoods.
