The Little Free Mermaid Library is LIVE! (Plus Audiobook Sales & Summer Magic) 🧜‍♀️

Dreams Come True: The Mermaid Little Free Library

I am absolutely bursting with pride and excitement! My mermaid-themed Little Free Library has been up for exactly one week, and we've already swapped out dozens of books and collected numerous signatures in the guest book. This project has been a dream of mine for so long—I've always wanted to be the steward of a Little Free Library.

The journey started during the pandemic when flipping dollhouses became one of my favorite hobbies. At some point, inspiration struck: I'd transform one into a library! But finding the right dollhouse took forever—it had to be completely enclosed and large enough to hold plenty of books, but not so massive that it would overwhelm our space. I finally discovered the perfect one on Facebook Marketplace: a cabinet-style dollhouse where the entire front façade opens like magical doors.

Then came the theme deliberation (and oh, the deliberation!). Initially, I wanted to recreate the Mudpuddle bookshop from The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic, but it didn't quite fit our beachhouse vibe. I'd just finished The Witches Catalogue, which features Ondalune, a mermaid main character. Gazing out at Catalina Island—which served as Ondalune's home in the novel—I knew exactly what this library was meant to become.

I spent weeks painting and embellishing this bookish masterpiece. Most of the exterior is freehand painted, with decoupage details on the trim and interior wallpaper. I sculpted mermaids and tiny books from clay and resin for the sides, and tiled the entire roof in holographic mermaid scales that shimmer in the sunlight. The finishing touches include a rain chain made of beach glass and charms, plus a charmed pull to open the case. Inside, visitors will discover a mini treasure chest full of trinkets alongside the treasure trove of books.

My husband built the stand and lent his muscle and infinite patience to the project. Every time I declared "I'm done!" and then immediately added "just one more thing," he managed not to roll his eyes. (That's true love, folks.)

Now we all rush to check what literary tides have washed in—or out—of the library each morning!