Manifesting the Canal Street Little Free Library

By Colleen Kilpatrick

Have you ever marveled at the fact that everything surrounding us—from the chair you're sitting on to this very magazine you’re reading—began as an idea in someone’s mind? The incredible ability we all possess to breathe life into thoughts and transform them into tangible realities never ceases to captivate me

My late husband, a master manifester himself, shared a piece of wisdom: don’t stress about crafting a detailed plan to manifest your desires. Simply take the next logical step, trusting that today’s actions will reveal tomorrow’s path.

I applied this philosophy to a deeply meaningful project: creating a Little Free Library in honor of my late mom. Without a detailed master plan or pressing timelines, I simply embraced each logical step as it naturally unfolded. Unlike other endeavors, this journey seemed to blossom with serendipity and a touch of pure magic, imparting invaluable lessons about trust and courageous action. As you delve into my story, I hope it inspires you to harness this approach, transforming your dreams into tangible realities with a sprinkle of magic, one step at a time.

A SEED IS PLANTED

My first introduction to the Little Free Library movement came from a magazine article about Todd Bol, who built the inaugural little library to honor his late mother. The idea resonated deeply with me— "What a perfect tribute!" I thought. At the time, I was deeply immersed in the care of my elderly parents, and the thought faded quickly. Yet, unbeknownst to me, a tiny seed had been planted.

Two years later, during my parents' estate sale, a brief encounter caused this idea to blossom. Watching family treasures depart in the hands of strangers left me emotionally drained. In the midst of the chaos, a young man, captivated by my mom’s spiritual books, remarked, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to share your mom's books with people who would truly appreciate them?" Instantly, the vision of a Little Free Library re-emerged.

SERENDIPITOUS ENCOUNTER

Six days later, while exploring a new neighborhood with a friend, an unexpected detour led us to the first Little Free Library I’d ever seen. Discovering it felt like pure magic, as if fate was nudging me forward.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE FALL INTO PLACE

While premade libraries are available on http://LittleFreeLibrary.org, I aimed for something unique using repurposed materials. Pinterest offered ideas galore, igniting my creativity. Then it struck me—a cabinet I had saved from the landfill 2-years prior was perfect for this project!

HELP ARRIVES

Learning about my unfolding library project, a friend suggested I contact her husband, a Boy Scout Master. Through him, I met a young scout in need of an Eagle project. Our first planning session inspired him to build eight Little Free Libraries in total all from repurposed cabinets.

BRINGING THE VISION TO LIFE

Throughout the following year, the scout diligently weather-proofed the cabinets and fitted the doors with plexiglass to allow passersby to easily glimpse the library's enchanting contents.

My library’s arrival was a joyous milestone. It marked a young man’s Eagle Scout achievement, provided our neighborhood with a vibrant community hub, and honored my mother’s love for reading. Meanwhile, the seven other libraries found homes across Detroit after a Facebook contest.

A NEW PURPOSE

Before installation, the library was painted in bright colors reflecting my mom's vibrant soul. As soon as the paint dried, my co-librarian, 9-year-old Chloe, eagerly stocked it with gathered books, including cherished ones from my mom’s collection.

MANIFESTING 101

Chloe envisioned a reading bench, so we set an intention to manifest one. The very next evening, as if by magic, a wooden bench appeared curbside near my childhood home! In the following days, my neighbors stepped up to refurbish and paint it to match the library, adding charm and community spirit to our gathering spot.

COMMUNITY JOY

The morning after the bench was installed, Chloe eagerly settled into her new favorite spot, a comforting reminder of the magic of manifesting.

She was often found reading to her little sister.

Our first guests, 4-year-olds Lily and Parker, arrived with their nanny. Lilly soon returned with a book and a handful of coins to donate. Her nanny told me she refers to it as, “My Library.”

People of all ages come to share and borrow books, each one serving as a loving tribute to my mom’s legacy.

It’s clear that kids and books and benches go well together.

With our official sign in place, we are now on the Little Free Library worldwide map!

Visitors come on foot, bikes, skateboards, strollers, and cars and often leave sweet notes in our sign-in book—“Love that our town has such a cute, magical experience that promotes literacy.”

During the pandemic, our neighborhood library transformed into a food pantry and a hub of inspiration. Witnessing people unite to give and receive food and encouragement was profoundly moving—a testament to the power of community and kindness.

Celebrating a Decade of Joy

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our library. Seeing visitors continue to enjoy it fills my heart with a profound sense of gratitude. The Canal Street Little Free Library stands as a living testament to my mom’s legacy and her love of reading, as well as to the remarkable power we each have to transform our thoughts into reality.

Colleen Kilpatrick is the Author of “Eliminate What You Tolerate”, a concise, but mighty book that has earned a 5-star rating on Amazon for helping readers identify and release what no longer serves them and make room for what lights them up. A Wellbeing Mentor, Colleen helps women discover the transformative powers of ancient and modern wisdom and self-care practices to revitalize body, mind, and spirit naturally. You can contact Colleen at colleen@colleenkilpatrick@icloud.com or 248-762-9828.