Little Free Library Refresh & Update | One Year Later 📚

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One year ago, I embarked on a journey to fulfill my long time dream of building my own Little Free Library, and what a year it's been!

In this video, I'm sharing a much-requested update on how the library has evolved, the lessons I've learned, and the greatest challenges I've faced along the way. Join me as I answer your questions, reflect on the past year, and refresh the library for the next year and beyond!

Whether you're thinking of starting your own Little Free Library or just love books, this video is for you! 📚

And if I didn't answer your question, feel free to leave it in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer!

A quick note: No, you don’t have to return a book after you’ve read it. But yes, it is nice to do so (or pass it on to another LFL) since that means more people get to enjoy the story! Sharing books is the general idea, after all ❤️

⏱️ Timestamps/Chapters:
0:00 intro
3:45 q&a
22:12 emptying the LFL
23:22 sorting the books
25:53 LFL book haul
29:14 sorting donations
37:23 prepping the books
39:36 new roof
40:10 filling the LFL


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FAQs
What does your channel name mean? I picked "Plant Based Bride" for my blog when I started it back in 2015 as I was starting the process of planning my vegan wedding and wanted to document it. I have been vegan for 10+ years and married since 2016!
What's your real name? Elizabeth
Where are you from? I'm a Canadian from Toronto, Ontario, now living in the Canadian Prairies.
Are you a natural redhead? No, I'm naturally a brunette. I dye my hair using Herbatint 8R.
What nail polish are you wearing? Cirque Colors

[soukaa]

After going through the comments it seems the general understanding of the LFL is "take one give one", tbh it may not cross some ppl's mind (me included) that they should return it, it does make sense tho. Maybe a fun little message on the door to encourage them "to pass along and share your love for your book recommendations" can help to align perspectives.

[fw]

I use an LFL about a block from my house. I mostly bring books to it and once in a while I will clean it out especially after a rain since the door is broken. I've taken a few books from it and honestly don't feel any obligation to return those exact books to that exact LFL. These books are in circulation more like dollar bills are in circulation rather than the way regular library books are in circulation.

[sunflowerspirited]

Yesss a little free library reading vlog would be so cute!📚✨

[skyeraedar]

I think the cards for the books you have added makes the most sense. Maybe a hashtag for social media so people who find it in a little library somewhere else can post about it and you would see some of the journeys your books have gone on.

[TerrigenCrystal]

I have some Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood and I've noticed the same problem that most of the books that get exchanged in end up being outdated and unappealing. There's not often anything I want to read in them.

[GavinReadsItAll]

OMG there’s an Animorphs and Goosebumps book in your free little library? AHHH that’s amazing! My childhood 🥰

[ambargonzalez]

I'd love an Agatha Christie vlog! I've read a few of her books and I really like them! They're a quick and easy read.

Also, a yearly update of the Little Free Library would be interesting! Seeing how it evolves as time passes

[Breeski]

I didn't realize its expected that we should put books back in that we took out, I thought the idea was to take a book if we are interested, and leave another book in its place, not return it again like a literal library. Have I been doing it wrong?

[TheAlobear]

I definitely want one of these as soon as I have a driveway to put it in! I think, as long as people were donating as well as taking (and I'd be happy to keep refreshing it as well) I'd actually rather not see the same books coming back because I'd prefer that people who frequent the area have new books to peruse on a regular basis.
We have a fantastic free library in our local train station that I regularly take books from and donate books to - it seems to get refreshed a lot, so I think the station staff must be curating it regularly, which is awesome.

[hippie]

The Sorting Books section gave big library/donation pile energy. So many little paperbacks and children’s books! I jumped when I saw Beastly followed by SpongeBob. 😂

[Soniawithani]

Thank you for sharing your lovely little library. The care and intention you put into it is very showing of your care and love for people. Most of our little libaries are more comminity than individual. (local parks/train station/churches/etc) It's interesting to see the curation from an individual owned library. Thank you :)

[Kdmud]

Elizabeth, this is such a cool update! It’s fascinating to hear the progress and all you’ve accomplished with your library! I do think some people see these books as gifts and keep them, which is why I think the library cards are a good reminder ( though I do understand the cost factor)! Another wonderful video, love all that you do to brighten the lives in your area…🎉🎉❤

[faellethefae]

Reading random books donated to your little free library would be a fun video idea!
I was writing this when you said it LOL

[vorgebrauchschutteln]

I think the library cards are a really nice touch, but I don't think it's worth the time and it might disappoint you more when you put so much work into them and the books don't come back. The sticker with the description and the embosser are really good ideas and should really do the job!

[soukaa]

If you're worried about kids taking book not their age you can also have a little divider with the "adult books" label on

[Katesgreenfingers]

Love this ❤ I’d be very interested in an Agatha Christie reading vlog 🕵️‍♀️

[kaylaxkatastrofe]

Aw! I love Legends and Lattes! Glad that made it into the little free library.

[meganmueller]

I like the idea of putting the library cards and info only in the books you’ve curated, read, and added. It may be an extra incentive for people to return those particular books to your little free library.

I’ve enjoyed some Dean Koontz books (“Lightning” being one of them) but I will say… our parents’ generation love Dean Koontz 😅

[crystaldollhouse]

I like that the stickers are just on books you personally selected! I like that better than putting them on every book since you are unlikely to feel passionate about recommending a lot of those random books and it might make that detail feel less special if it’s on all of them. It’s such a cool and personal thing to do, I would be so excited if I found that in one of the books I picked up 💗

[SuuperBeck]

I am currently working on setting up my little free library. I am 100% planning on embossing or stamping my books.