Introduction: Neighborhood Lending Library / Birdhouse

The vision for the Lending Library is to promote reading and fellowship among neighbors and friends. This version of the well-known Little Free Library, comes with a special touch - it's very own birdhouse! The front displays the Lending Library while the back features a house and perch for neighborhood birds.

The three Smith boys designed this Lending Library from scratch. The sketches were combined to develop what is seen here. Their vision was made a reality with lots of hardwork.

Enjoy!

Supplies

  • Tools
  • circular saw
  • sawhorses
  • Kreg tool
  • drill
  • screwdriver
  • wood clamps
  • electric sander (optional - may just use hand sander)
  • miter saw
  • nail gun
  • post hole diggers
  • Supplies
  • wood glue
  • wood screws 1/4" and 2"
  • sheet metal screws 2"
  • Kreg screws 1"
  • sanding disks, sander pad (80 grit and 120 grit)
  • 1 sheet 4' x 8' finished plywood
  • 18" x 24" plexiglass
  • 1 sheet 1/2" sanded plywood 2' X 4'
  • 2 pieces of 1" x 2" x 4' lumber
  • 1 - 4" x 8' post
  • 2 cabinet hinges
  • 1 cabinet handle
  • 4 - 90 degree brackets
  • 1 1/2" dowel
  • stain - gray
  • white paint
  • tin for roof
  • 4 - 1" X 3" X 8' firing strips
  • polyurethane

Step 1: Segment Wood

  • Plywood
  • Rip plywood at 30". Then, cut into two 30" x 36" pieces.
  • Cut front and back of library from 30 x 36" plywood pieces:
  • 30" (bottom & top), 35" (left side), 25" (right side)
  • Cut sides from 18" X 8' plywood piece:
  • Side one: 25" X 13"
  • Side two: 35" X 13"
  • Cut bottom from remaining plywood piece: bottom 13" X 30"
  • Cut hole for door in front piece.
  • center door (plexiglass piece) 2 1/2" from the bottom, 2 7/8" from left side, & 2 7/8" from right side
  • left side is flush with 2 7/8" mark.
  • top, right, bottom cuts inset one inch
  • Cut 2' X 4' plywood into 30" X 13" for bottom of birdhouse
  • Shelf piece will be plywood 29" X 13"
  • Framing Pieces
  • Using 1" X 2" X 4' pieces - cut two 12" X 24" pieces. Using miter saw, 45 degree angles at the corners.

Step 2: Sand Cut Wood

Use sanding disks/sander to sand cut wood to smooth finish.

Step 3: Assemble

  • Glue, Clamp, & Screw
  • Long Side: Using Kreg tool make 12 holes - 6 per side - using Kreg Tool holes a and c.
  • Short Side: Using Kreg tool make 8 holes - 4 per side - using Kreg Tool holes a and c.
  • Glue: Glue onto front piece. Clamp. Screw into front piece. Dry.
  • Bottom: Using Kreg tool make four holes on either short side and four holes on the long side - use holes a and c on the Kreg Tool.
  • Shelf: The shelf will sit upon four 90 degree brackets.
  • Back: to secure back screw the pocket holes put into either side - 6 long side, 4 short side. And holes put in the bottom - 4 holes.
  • Door: Miter sides - 18 in 45 degree corners, Miter top and bottom 24 inches 45 degree corners. Secure to plexi glass with screws. Make sure to pre-drill pilot holes! attach two hinges to the backside of the door. screw hinges into library. screw door handle into door.
  • Trim: Paint trim in white (or color of choice). Using a nail gun, attach trim.
  • Stain
  • entire library grey (or whatever color you wish)
  • Polyurethane
  • poly door frame to maintain the natural wood look. (unless you wish for it to match trim)
  • Roof:
  • Plywood roof - polyurethane top for moisture barrier - attach with wood screws
  • Tin: Attach tin with metal screws.
  • Stand/Post to hold Library:
  • 4 X 4 -8'
  • cut 2' off - now 6' 4x4
  • 3' underground, 3' above
  • mounting to 1/2 plywood 24" by 10" for extra support under library
  • Using 2' cut off from original 6' 4x4, make support for either side of 6' 4x4 (see picture)
  • one at 30 degrees
  • one at 11 degrees
  • Use wood glue and wood screws to attach
  • Bird House: Cut hole for bird on backside of library using a 3" hole saw. Cut 12" dowel down to 6". Drill 1/2" hole for dowel. Attach 6 inch dowel using wood glue.
  • Caulk gaps between frame and library.

Step 4: Display and Fill With Books

  • Dig 3' deep hole with post hole diggers. Insert Post.
  • Wood glue the top of the stand, then apply support board.
  • Screw library into support board.
  • Secure door with hinges.
  • Add signage if you wish.
  • Add books!
Woodworking Contest

This is an entry in the
Woodworking Contest