reader DIY

By Amber Bouthot

Little Free Library

Every month, we highlight Reader DIY Projects. We want to see your projects and share them within the pages of our magazine. It can be something as simple as a craft project or as large as a home addition. If you did it yourself, it can be featured. Email Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

This month’s Reader DIY project comes Katherine Woo who built a Little Free Library for her neighborhood.

What was your inspiration for the project?

I was inspired to create a Little Free Library because I am a massive book lover, and I wanted to help cultivate a love for reading in my community, as well as provide access to free books during these crazy times.

How long did it take from start to finish?

It took me 3 weeks to complete.

Was it easier or harder than you anticipated?

It was pretty much exactly what I anticipated since I’ve made a lot of things and know what to expect as far as time and labor.

What was the total cost of the project?

$400 (eeks!)

What did you like best about the undertaking?

It’s always magical when you envision something and bring it to life. And even more so when it turns out better than what was in your head. I love the creative process and the problem solving that goes into making something. Conquering building the roof perfectly and also coming up with the idea to use paint sticks as the shingles was the best part of the process

What was the most challenging aspect?

The most challenging aspect was building the roof. It was the only part of it I actually had to build. I eventually figured it out with the help of instructional resources that the Little Free Library website provides and by reading how other stewards have made theirs on the LFL Facebook group.

Where did you source the materials?

I bought the cabinet from someone on Letgo, the building supplies from Home Depot, the magnetic door latches and motion sensor lights on Amazon, the wood butterfly from a seller on Etsy, the butterfly wallpaper from Hollander’s which is a cute paper store in Michigan, and some supplies from Michaels.