General
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that was started in 2009 that’s all about book sharing. Sharing is typically done via public bookcases called Little Free Libraries or Little Libraries that are located throughout many cities and neighborhoods. Add a Little Library to your community by building one yourself with the help of this class!
Materials
The library is made primarily from plywood, and the entire library will come from one 3/4″ x 4’ x 8’ sheet. You’ll use a small amount of solid wood to make the door and trim. It isn’t imperative that you use exterior plywood, as long as you do a good job of painting your library.
How It’s built
Your library comes together with dado and rabbet joinery. A router table is used in the instructional video, but the joinery can also be done on table saw. This project lends itself to applying finish before assembly, so you’ll do a little painting on the interior faces. Once you make adjustable shelf holes it’s ready to come together with exterior glue.
More Joinery
In addition to learning about dadoes and rabbets, this project will teach you how to make half lap joints or, more specifically, rabbeted half lap joints. This is the joinery used on the door. It’s very robust, which makes it great for this application, and you automatically end up with a rabbet for the plexiglass.
Getting It in Your Yard
Our approach to installing the library is to simply put a post in the ground and fasten the library to the post. The video shows you how to make the post mounting column for the library. Of course, you can also develop whatever mounting method works for your particular scenario.
FAQs
Q: Could I substitute other materials for the build?
A: Sure. Just make sure that if you use something that isn’t ¾” thick, you change dimensions where needed.
Q: I don’t have a 23/32” bit but I do have a 3/4″ bit. Can I use that?
A: Maybe. You can certainly use it for the rabbets, but do a test cut and double check the dado fit with your plywood. If the fit is sloppy, you shouldn’t use the 3/4″ bit.
Q: I miscut the roof angle on the front and rear pieces. Do I need to make those pieces over?
A: If you only missed it by a little bit you’ll be fine. Just make sure you use the exact same angle when you’re cutting the roof pieces.
Q: Could I use stain instead of paint on my library?
A: Yep, as long as it’s an exterior finish product.
Q: Could I use glass instead of plexiglass in the door?
A: Yes, but I’d have a couple concerns. Glass will weigh more than plexiglass, but the door is probably robust enough to tolerate that. More importantly, I’d be concerned about the glass breaking due to rough weather or rough handling. If you really want to use glass I suggest safety glass so no one gets hurt.
Bonus materials available after purchase
Class Guide - Build A Little Library
Class Resources - Build A Little Library
Cut List
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the class videos. Simply log in to CRAFT & HOBBY, and you can view any class.
How do I access the Bonus Materials for the class?
Go to view your class, and each individual bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the bonus materials directly below your main class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you would like and/or save them to your device.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
How do I contact Craft And Hobby?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftandhobby@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-363-1239. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
