About The Second Life Library 📚♻️
My Story
Hi, I'm Millie — lifelong bookworm, with a degree in environmental sciences, and the one-woman team behind The Second Life Library.
After researching the pre-loved book market, I read that 77 million books end up in landfill in the UK each year - there are varying statistics, but this is the widely accepted figure. Many of the books that are donated are sent to landfill in the UK, shipped to landfill sites abroad or shredded due to a lack of capacity to store them. This is a huge problem that I don't see spoken about enough.
In December, I read an alarming statistic that '1 in 10 children in the UK do not own a book', this was completely baffling. There are millions of books being discarded each year, yet the UK has a problem with declining literacy rates, increasing hours of screen time and millions of children who are simply not reading at all.
With a background in environmental sciences and a deep love of reading, I knew I could do something about it. So I did. The Second Life Library was born — a membership service dedicated to giving pre-loved children's books the second life they deserve, and getting them into the hands of little readers who'll love them just as much as the first owner did.
90% of a child's brain is built before the age of five, which is why reading is such an important tool to build their vocabulary through listening, repetition and exposure to new characters, themes and stories.
What started as an unrealistic idea in December, has now grown to a community of over 400 members, who all share the same goal: to save time, money and build their child's love of reading, without worrying about which books to buy next. I've since expanded my memberships to children up to twelve years old, as it's vital to keep reading outside of school, to aid critical thinking, memory and to complement their education.
While all books are age appropriate, if your child has a particular interest I will always lean into this as children are more likely to gravitate towards books with familiar characters, or their favourite vehicle, for example.
My Mission 🌿
I believe every book deserves to be read more than once. Since launching, together we've saved over 4,000 books from landfill — and we're just getting started. Each month, I also donate around 200 books to local charities.
Sustainability isn't a buzzword for TSLL — it's the whole point. That's why every single piece of packaging is completely plastic-free and either recyclable or compostable. No exceptions.
How It Works 📦
Each box contains 3 carefully curated, pre-loved children's books, personalised just for your little one based on the notes you leave at checkout. I curate boxes for children up to 12 years old so whether you've got a baby who loves board books or a confident reader devouring chapter books, I've got you covered. I also offer one-off boxes on different themes, from potty training, to birthday gifts and non-fiction books for curious kids.
You're able to choose the frequency that works for your family:
- 📅 Monthly — a fresh box every month
- 📅 Every other month — a lovely treat every two months
- 📅 Quarterly — a seasonal surprise four times a year
Every box is a little different, always thoughtful, and always chosen with love. The books are yours to keep, however if you have a bundle of books to donate, I'd gladly keep them in circulation for other members. Just email me at hello@thesecondlifelibrary.co.uk
Meet the Founder 👋
It's just me here — Millie. I hand-pick every single book, pack every box, and read every note you leave about your child. I care deeply about what lands on your doorstep, and I want every box to feel like it was made especially for your family. Because it was.
Thank you so much for being part of this. Every membership helps keep books out of landfill, while circulating brilliant books that are destined to be read over and over again 💚
