Recollections of my early projects are just that. They were done by hook or crook, without “good tools” or simply, by my bootstraps. Some, like this bookcase, were completed years ago when I had no inclination to record my work in any detailed way.
These stories are meant only to entertain. They may provide an idea, a solution, a lot of oh-oh’s, a few oh no’s, or a nod of agreement.
I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.
– Vincent Van Gogh
We need rest…
space,
quiet time,
We need a bookcase!
Story #6: Bookshelf to Bookcase
If you read me, I often lament the fact that a lot of homes in our community have no bookcase. It is sad to me because reading and access to reading provides knowledge and valuable groundwork to learn how to think.
It is more than books
A bookcase is a resource for children and adults. I do not have children, but the books on my bookshelves appeal to many people of all ages. Whenever children visit with their parents, they are immediately drawn to the books. Some pull books to look at and read, sit on the floor, and enjoy themselves. Others run to the same book to pull it from the same spot on a shelf. Amazing.
To me, it was an unexpected reaction. I added art pencils and sketch pads. When I witness the children’s curiosity and joy, it uplifts me.
A focus on independence fosters an early confidence in each child’s ability to learn, as well as creative freedom and critical thinking skills.
The memories of those moments are revived whenever I look at that bookcase!
My childhood book fantasy
This and walks to the library provided a lifeline for me where I grew up. In the inner city of any large urban area, the library was a safe haven.
Attempts to venture beyond my neighborhood’s borders were met with racist responses. The people on the other side did their worst to enforce the notion that I was not welcome. I experienced adults throwing rocks at me for walking past their houses on my way to grammar school, then to a city magnet high school, and the library. Anywhere. Think about that – grown folks throwing rocks at children going to school.
I was determined to reach my destination. I made it to the library.
On the other hand, It was getting so I could not do my homework or read a book on my own porch. Yes, walking to the library was like walking through a war zone.
I was determined to reach my destination. And I made it to the library.
Once I arrived there, I felt safe and hopeful. That place helped me see the world as more than the few blocks on which I lived. I learned that it was more than the few blocks where I could not live.
Of course, I could not stay late because the tone of the neighborhood changed at night. All of the forces out there converged to make it quite scary for a young girl. I kept track of the time. I read a little, picked a handful of books and musical soundtrack albums, and checked them out with my library card. Then I walked the mile back home.
And I lived to tell the tale.
Transformation
The oak bookshelf that I used for the project was old and sturdy. It was built like a tank. Many times I was tempted to get rid of it but could not find a good reason to do it. I would probably replace it with the very same thing if I purchased one. It would certainly not be the same quality. And the last thing I wanted to do was build an exact replica.
After that thought, another one hit me. I could build a casing frame on the bookshelf and add doors. It would elevate the look of my workspace and my spirits.
The project was easy since the bookshelves were already done. I cut lengths of wood 2x2s and 1x3s to make the casing and door frames.
Then the the door frames were constructed to fit the space an attached.
A little paint.
Then the doors. I am not sure they may have been an afterthought. Oh well.
A little more paint for the doors.
Then, I attached them to the old bookshelf unit with long construction screws.
That’s used uncoated hardware cloth (chicken wire) masquerading as door panels. Here is the entire project including the painted wire.
Those small changes transformed the bookshelves and the room.
And it saved a little space at the landfill.
Here is the bookcase next to my desk.
Photo albums are easy to get to.
Black hardware contrasts with the light color paint.
A few drawing pens and markers on the shelf for my young artistic and creative visitors.
These sleek, black pulls match the hinges.
Closeup inside the bookcase. There is not a lot to see except… books.
View from a child’s perspective.
You only need one
A bookcase in your home is the ultimate place to practice free will and freedom of choice.
And this bears repeating: it cultivates independence, curiosity, and confidence in a child’s ability to learn. It promotes creative freedom and critical thinking skills.
Think about it: a bookcase makes you immune to limitations on learning about any subject. A bookcase in the house is an invitation to fill it with your own selection of books, art supplies, and family photos.
That’s right, it can be the repository and source of the truth about you, your family, your ancestors, your country, and the world.
Caution: everything that you read, find out and see becomes a part of you.
That’s the danger.
Baadaye
♥️
Remember: If you are going to make any project, be mindful and be safe.
