How to build a street library that glows

From 42mm x 18mm primed H3 pine:

• Door stiles: 615mm (x2)
• Front stiles: angled 595mm (x2)**
• Back stiles: angled 565mm (x2)**
• Base sides: 400mm (x2)
• Braces: 400mm (x2)
• Door rails: 315mm (x2)
• Roof support: angled 250mm (x2)**
• Base ends: 180mm (x2)

Tip: **Cut one end of the front and back stiles at 10 degrees, measure from the longest point to make straight cuts to size. For the roof supports, cut both ends at 10 degrees, angled the same way.

From 12mm plywood:

• Roof: 500mm x 500mm
• Sign: 450mm x 100mm
• Base: 400mm x 250mm
• Bottom shelf: 400mm x 210mm
• Top shelf: 390mm x 210mm
• Post braces: 300mm x 80mm (x2)

Follow the cutting list to cut pine using a mitre saw, and plywood using a circular saw with guide. Sand; wipe dust.

Tip: To assemble, use a brad gun with 32mm brads for the frame, braces, backing and roof, and 50mm for the door frame, with at least three brads each join.

Butt the base ends against the sides. Add front and back stiles, tops angled down towards the back. Position braces inside the back and front stiles, leaving a 10mm gap for lights. Add roof supports front-to-back over the stiles, angled down. Position door rails against stiles. Clamp and assemble.

Apply 2-3 coats of self-priming exterior paint to all timber pieces except post; let dry after each coat. Secure backing to frame centred and flush with the base. Add angle brackets for the shelf, 250mm up the stiles, with button head screws. Secure base under the frame, flush with the front.

With the poly sheet channels running horizontally, mark the door 420mm wide and sides 250mm with a pen. Use a utility knife with a guide to cut top layers, fold to cut along crease on the back. Mark angle of the roof on the sides; cut. Set a hairdryer on cold to blow debris clear of the channels.

Slide capping over raw edges of the poly pieces; cut to fit. Position the sides and door cladding over the frames. Secure into the corners with cladding screws using a nut setter; avoid over tightening. Apply clear silicone between the cladding and frames; wipe off excess with a damp cloth.

Attach the door to the frame with two hinges 100mm from the ends, using 16mm screws. Add a finger post knob halfway down the door. Install a roller catch on the top brace, lining up the plate on the door. Drill up through the base to thread string lights. Centre the roof; secure with brads.

Cut the post to fit the area, taking in the fence height and access. Apply 2-3 coats of self-priming exterior paint; let dry after each coat. At the top, centre the post braces on the front and back; secure with brads. Attach post by securing through the library base with four 60mm screws. See ‘Installation tips’, above, to install.

Drop in the bottom shelf. Thread the string lights up through the hole at the back, running them around the inside, securing to the stiles with cord clips. Drop in the top shelf. Attach BOOK SWAP letters to the sign; secure to the front post brace with brads.

• When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
• A nailing gun is less likely to split timber than screws. Wear ear and eye protection, and ensure the gun tip is pressed flat and straight before pulling the trigger. Move flat pieces to hold the gun over the side of the bench.