Objective: Students will learn about the importance of sharing books with others and will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build an outdoor book swap box.
The process began with a discussion about the importance of sharing books with others. Students looked at the benefits of reading and how making books available to others can inspire a love of reading.
Next, they explored the concept of a book swap box. Numerous examples of ‘little free libraries’ from other neighbourhoods, schools, and libraries were found online. Based on this research, students worked in small groups to brainstorm ideas and produce some initial sketches for basic designs. They then worked collaboratively to select the best design details, planning the size, shape and features they wanted to include in their little free library. Concepts such as ‘function and ‘aesthetics’ were introduced. Students measured the dimensions of a cross-section of books from the school library. From these measurements, students decided to produce a prototype with a shelf. The idea was to incorporate two rows of books. One row to accommodate most large books, and one to accommodate the smaller books. It was decided to build a full-size prototype from cardboard and hot glue.
The prototype took a fair amount of time (and hot glue) to fabricate. To see their design in ‘life-size 3D’ really helped the students appreciate what might be encountered when making a solider final product. The thickness of the material was more carefully considered, and also how the edges would join together in order to make a strong, weatherproof ‘vessel for books’. The evaluation of the cardboard prototype provided many insights, and suggested a number of important modifications which would prove to be invaluable to the functionality of the little library. It was decided to make a 90-degree angle at the apex of the roof so that the two roof pieces would meet perpendicularly, avoiding the need for further fabrication due to ‘tricky’ angles. They also chose to extend the roof to afford greater protection to the walls. (Especially at the point where they meet the roof.) The original plan was for the entire front wall to be made from a transparent plastic sheet, which would be both a window (to view the books) and a door. Our students quickly realized that the extended roof would impede the door action. Another piece of material would be necessary. This had the added advantage of completing the doorframe and strengthening the whole structure. Ultimately, it was considered most beneficial if the door were to be hinged downwards instead of to the side. (As per the prototype.) Almost by accident, they also discovered that a shallower shelf would allow greater access to the smaller books on the upper row.
Using the plans drawn up from the design process, pre-cut pieces were ordered in 2cm plywood. With both aesthetics and weather protection in mind, these pieces were painted (outside, to try and minimize mess!) with lacquer paint in primary and secondary colours. The correct drill bits, screws, washers, nuts and bolts were procured, along with the plastic sheeting and door furniture. Under a watchful eye, our designer/developer/fabricators armed themselves with hand and power tools and proceeded with the final construction. Many measurements were made, many holes were pre-drilled, and many pieces of material were supported as classmates screwed them together. It was a real team effort which involved the whole campus, and even though it seems that a few further improvements could be made, the outcome is very satisfying. We all hope that our LIS Little Free Library will sit on its log serving the community for many a year to come.
Many thanks to all our children for their efforts on every step of the way, and to the p rents, staff, and combined ‘PTO’ for all of their support in making the idea a reality.
– Mr. Simon
