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!

• 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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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!