The LiLi Key

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About Us

We are changing the world, one child and one book at a time...

Living Libraries, the parent company responsible for the production of The LiLi Key and the creation a growing nation-wide team of team LiLis, operates under the 501(c)(3) umbrella of non-profit Children and Family Services Center. Living Libraries provides life-lifting books and wrap-around programming for individual students at home, in classrooms, entire schools and after school and church programs. We serve hundreds of LiLis and LiLiDers across the country who range from 4 to 14.

Thanks to pilot funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, we were able to test our programs with children in 40+ states during the 2019-2020 school year. The results were amazing. Feedback from children, parents and teachers resulted in the Second Edition of The LiLi Key. More than 60% of LiLis reported reading more than 50% more than they did before becoming a Living Library. Other data points show self-esteem was up nearly 30%, while anxiety is down by 20%. The majority of LiLis, more than 70%, say they feel more connected to their community and our planet and have a much greater desire to change it for the better.

Our books prove to work equally well with both reluctant and avid readers. The books are based on scientific principles of heart-brain coherence which is a phenomenon that occurs when the heart and the brain fully connect and create a biofeedback loop of electromagnetic energy. In this state, one can feels fearless and empowered, so when they dream big amazing stuff begins to happen. We use mindfulness, guided meditation and mind-body coherence techniques to help children enter this state and believe in their own power, which transforms them into real Living Libraries. LiLis get their own Keys, which is a 24 hour reminder of their increasingly important purpose in life--which is to read and fill their inner Living Books. It's a powerful, transformative process that we believe is making a huge difference in our generation of future leaders.

Our goal as a LiTeam is to create an army of Superhuman LiLis more than 1 million strong. Readers become leaders!

For more information on our staff and life-lifting program offerings, visit Living Libraries.

Visit Living Libraries

A Word From the Author

I am extremely honored that you care enough to learn about our BHAG to create 1 million LiLis. It is extremely important that all children have the opportunity to become a Living Library.

That's why we have made a commitment as a company that the proceeds of all books and merchandise sales from this website will be invested back into the community to provide the same products for those who otherwise couldn't afford it. As a former journalist and non-profit executive director, I learned long ago about book deserts, and how in Charlotte, NC alone, there are more than 60,000 children living in them as their parents are struggling for basic essentials such as food and shelter. For many of these families children's books are a tertiary luxury. That's why Living Libraries and The LiLi Key brand operates on a BoSo model. (Buy one Serve one.) Our goal is to build the necessary infrastructure so that for every book, key, or program purchased, a children in need gets the same on a one to one ratio. Every child deserves books, and the ability to fall in love with reading and realize their own true Superhuman power. Please help us by spreading the word, purchasing items or making a donation or investment to serve our philanthropic mission. For more information contact

me directly at kristi@living-libraries.com.

-Kristi Cruise, Author The LiLi Key, Founder/CEO Living Libraries

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Meet our Mascots

Introducing BibLi O. Teca, LiBro Teca and the LiLi Team

The LiLi Key, Second Edition features 4 new LiLis. From L to right we have BibLi O. Teca, the original Living Library (biblioteca means library in Spanish) , Escuela, and African American female (means schools), Apredar an Indian American male (means To Learn), Leer, a Hispanic female (means To Read), Universidad, an Asian male (means University) and LiBro Teca, an African American male and younger brother of BibLi O. Teca (libro means book in Spanish). These characters were drawn by Kaylee Alford, who worked as on illustrator on both books including the original The LiLi Key when she was just 13 years old!

The cartoon mascots represent real people who have formed a team to lead a growing nation of LiLis across the country who job is to change the planet for the better. How do they do it? First they read The LiLi Key to see if they have what it takes to be a LiLi. Then they get their LiLi Key which they used to unlock the full power of books. Next they enroll in LiLi University and earn their LiLi Degree! LiLi University teaches LiLis socio-emotional and life skills needed to live the lives of empowered, fearless LiLi Superhumans on a mission. Join our team today!

Become a Superhuman LiLi!

Join the reading revolution and help and ordinary child unlock their own Superhuman potential by purchasing or donating a book and LiLi key today.

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The history of the lilis

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Characters BiLi Octavia Teca and brother LiBro Teca are based on a kindred friendship that lasted more than 25 years. (Octavia means an 8 page book.)

BibLi O. (Pronounced like Jackie O.,) is a living and breathing Living Library. In fact, she loves to read so much she actually wears books on her shirt. Her special attire holds books all around and allows her to choose one for a quick read at any moment, as LiLis love to do. BibLi O. the character also loves writing and ethical, balanced journalism, yoga, travel and playing the clarinet. She is an ambivert who loves people but needs her own time to recharge. BibLi O. loves to be a trend-setter, thus the book wearing.. Her Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) is to be on the cover of Time Magazine and win a Nobel prize.

LiBro Teca is one smooth smooth dude who puts people first before all else. Not only does he love sports, most especially basketball, he loves math and science. Plus he is a black belt ninja! LiBro is extremely social, but in a mild-mannered way. He's the kind of guy that would do absolutely anything for a friend including giving you the shirt, or a book, off his back. LiBro has dreams to become a Naval Officer and engineer. He loves animals, chemistry and sustainably lobstering in the Florida Key.

BibLi O. and LiBro are characters born from a real 25 year friendship that began in childhood. The LiLi Key Author Kristi Cruise met Kent Moss at The Center for Advanced Technologies, a magnet school in St. Petersburg, FL. The year was 1994. From that first day they formed an unbreakable bond of friendship that would last until Kent's death in December of 2018. A former Navy Officer and Tampa Electric Company engineer, Kent was first diagnosed with melanoma in late 2017. He fought with everything he as the cancer spread and he lost his battle December 23, 2018 . When he called Kristi three days earlier to say goodbye just days before passing over, he asked her to promise to leave the local book up-cycling non-profit she founded a decade earlier and boldly move forward toward the larger vision to helping millions of children thrive via literacy and education. She promised. And with his death he took all of her fear...

Months later, Living Libraries and The LiLi Key brands were born and their collective mission of changing millions of children for the better via the power of books has been officially set into motion.

LiBro Teca is represented by Kent's real nephew, Sandro. Sandro is a aspiring division 2 basketball player who considers himself honored to play the role of LiBro as a lasting tribute to his dear Uncle Kent. Watch this video of BibLi O. and LiBro on our YouTube channel LiTV.

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Programs