Build a Little Library
George Vondriska- In-depth Instruction; over 99 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
General
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that was started in 2009 thatās 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 4ā x 8ā sheet. Youāll use a small amount of solid wood to make the door and trim. It isnāt imperative that you use exterior plywood, as long as you do a good job of painting your library.
How Itās 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 youāll do a little painting on the interior faces. Once you make adjustable shelf holes itās 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. Itās 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 isnāt Ā¾ā thick, you change dimensions where needed.
Q: I donāt have a 23/32ā 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 shouldnāt 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 youāll be fine. Just make sure you use the exact same angle when youāre cutting the roof pieces.
Q: Could I use stain instead of paint on my library?
A: Yep, as long as itās an exterior finish product.
Q: Could I use glass instead of plexiglass in the door?
A: Yes, but Iād have a couple concerns. Glass will weigh more than plexiglass, but the door is probably robust enough to tolerate that. More importantly, Iād 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.
George Vondriska
Formally trained in technology education, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. He has been the managing editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines and the Pentagon.
Bonus materials available after purchase