We'll have prizes for the top 10 voted projects, with the first prize being a bench top router table from Kreg
The first Little Free Library was build by Todd Bol - he put it in his yard and the popularity of the concept took off around the world
Little Free Libraries can be any size or shape, but what they all must do is spread a little joy
Size requirement? None. This isn't a hard and fast rule, just a ballpark idea of the typical size of a Little Free Library. Yours could be smaller or larger.
It’s simply a small outdoor bookcase for curbside neighborhood book sharing in the spirit of “take a book, return a book.” It’s a great woodworking project because they’re just a box with some embellishment, detail, and decoration in any style you could possibly want.
As you can imagine, the presence of one of these Little Free Libraries in a neighborhood adds a wonderful sense of friendliness and old fashioned hospitality while expressing some creativity.
It’s not just a box, though. It’s a worldwide initiative that promotes literacy and encourages a sense of community. There are over 32,000 libraries in 70 countries and in all 50 states (as of September 2015).
The Little Free Library organization has a humble beginning when, in 2009, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin built a small bookcase in the shape of a one-room, red-and-white schoolhouse in honor of his mother’s memory.
He put it in his yard and added some books for his neighbors to take and share. It was just a fun, friendly project for him. However the concept was such a hit among his friends and neighbors that he built a few more and gave them away. And it just caught on.
You can build yours to be as decorative and creative as you want.
Today you’ll find about 30 registered Little Free Libraries in and around Phoenix. We want to add 100 more! So that’s why we’re doing this contest.
Your library should be as unique, fun, whimsical, or decorative as you can possibly make it. Get your family involved, let the kids help, whatever.
You are welcome to include materials other than wood in your project. You don’t even need to buy your materials from Woodworkers Source. We’re just the conduit that connects Southwest Human Development with local Arizona builders like yourself who want to put their woodworking skills to use in a community-building event.
Please register now. Even if you’re not certain you can complete your project by the deadline, please register anyway. You may drop out later if needed. It’s better to register and drop out of the contest than it is to wait to register after the contest is full.
All entries receive $25 store credit on March 5, 2016 upon project delivery.
After the contest, we encourage you to donate your project to Southwest Human Development, a local non-profit that organizes events and literacy programs for early childhood development. If you choose to donate your Little Free Library, the organization will pay the costs of registering and installing the library in a neighborhood in the metro Phoenix area.
Additionally, Woodworkers Source will contribute $25 for every library that gets donated to help fund the installation and registration.
We’re going to exhibit all the projects for the public to view! Come see for yourself, and send your friends and family.
When: March 7 – 12, 2016
Where: Woodworkers Source
18115 N. Black Canyon Hwy
Phoenix, AZ 85023
March 12, 2016, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
We’ll host an awards ceremony with hors d’oeuvres and a casual atmosphere. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 entries, plus various honorable mention awards.
There are very few limitations to this project. We’re not imposing a size limit, but the general size of a standard library is in the neighborhood of 24″ wide, 30″ tall, and 15″ deep. That’s not a limitation, just a ballpark.
Builder Tips from Little Free Library™
But it’s important to understand this project will live outside. Exterior paint offers the best long term protection. And think of this more of a weekend craft project than a fine custom furniture piece. So here are some ideas from the Little Free Library Instagram feed –
[instagram-feed]
Vice President of Operations – Woodworkers Source
We’re a family-owned lumber & woodworking supply retailer with 3 delightful stores in Arizona, and 35 friendly employees.
Mark oversees the company and creates tutorials on wood finishing and woodworking tips for hardwood lumber.
Woodworkers Source is a division of MacBeath Hardwood Co.
