A Little Library is a great way to engage people of all ages with free books for the community. Place a Little Library by playspace benches to create a calming area for adults and children alike!
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Take the 4x4x8' board. Cut into [1] 60" piece and [2] 10¾" pieces.
Take the 2x6x8' board. Cut into one 19" piece. You can use the remaining wood for another project.
Take the 4x8' plywood board. Cut, according to the diagram, [2] 19"x21 ⅛" pieces, [2] 12"x27 ⅛" pieces, [2] 22"x11 ½" pieces, [1] 19x10 ¾" piece, and [1] 18 ½"x16 ⅛" piece. Use the chalk line to help mark each measurement.
Take the Plexiglas sheet. Measure out [1] 13"x15" piece. Place tape over the measuring lines on both sides of the Plexiglas to make cutting smoother. Cut using the circular saw.
Angled Cuts:
If the Little Library will be painted, prime all sides and edges of the plywood pieces.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Use the 1" deck screws to attach the side panels (12"x27⅛") to the floor panel (10¾" x19"). Be sure the side panels are centered on the floor panel.
Next attach the back panel (21 ⅛"x19") to the floor panel and side panels. The back panel will fit inside of the two side panels.
Next use the small screws to attach the Plexiglas panel to the front window panel (18 ½"x16⅛"). Pre-drilling the holes will help prevent the Plexiglas from cracking.
Then attach the front window panel with Plexiglas to the front panel (21 ⅛" x 19") using the small hinges provided (where the red circles are). Be sure that you are spacing the hinges appropriately so that the window panel covers the entire hole on the front panel.
Attach the front panel you just built to the Little Library using the 1" deck screws.
Attach 1 of the 2 roof panels (22"x11 ½") to the front of the Little Library using the 1" deck screws.
Attach the 2nd roof panel (22"x 11 ½") to the back half of the little library using the 1" deck screws.
Take the 4x4x5' post and center it on the 2x6x19" board. Then attach the two 4x4x10 ¾" trapezoid braces to opposite sides of the 4x4x5'. Attach the trapezoids using the 3" lag screws provided. Pre-drilling holes will make this easier.
Flip the stand over and attach the Library to the stand using the 2" lag screws provided. Pre-drilling these holes will make this easier.
Dig a hole that is 2' deep and roughly 6" wide. Concrete the Little Library in place with 1-2 bags of concrete.
Paint as desired.
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Bright games painted on a cement or asphalt surface are a welcome addition to any playground! Use the suggested patterns attached here, or think back to your own childhood to come up with possible games! Note: Your site will obviously have to have a bare cement or asphalt surface on which you can paint, and where children can play safely.
Outdoor basketball courts weather a lot of wear and tear. Fresh paint can spark spirit and pride, and painting logos or mascots in center court encourages community identity.
Shade is a very important topic for many communities when it comes to their children. The structure not only provides a bit of relief from the sun but also adds to the aesthetic quality of the overall playspace. The more inviting a gathering area is, the more likely community members will begin to treat it like the “town square” it should be.