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.