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How to Make a Book Stand

The classic idea of grand-scale libraries with towers of bookshelves aren't the only places for well-made book stands anymore. Having a simple nostalgic book stand in your home doesn't have to take up too much space or cost a fortune. Making your own book stand from minimal construction can be easy and affordable. Afterward you will have a classic stand for holding any type of book from the antique family bible to cookbooks, dictionaries or a child's favorite storybook.

Things You'll Need

1 1-by-8 inch board 10 inches long for the back
1 1-by-1 inch wooden rod 10 inches long for a book rest lip
Hammer
Nails
Wood glue
1 2-by-8 inch board 5 inches long for a support block
Rafter angle square (steel or plastic)
Handsaw
Sandpaper
Wood stain or paint

Instructions

- 1
  Set the small rod along one of the 10-inch long sides of the board. Nail into place with finishing nails every 2 inches. Secure with wood glue. This will create a lip to keep your book from slipping.
- 2
  Mark a 45-degree angle on the opposite 2-inch sides on one end of the support board. Cut off the excess corner across the length of the 8 inches.
- 3
  Line up the cut block under the center of the main board. The block should prop the board up at a 45-degree angle. When satisfied with the centering of the block underneath, nail it into place. Apply wood glue for extra support.
- 4
  Sand the book stand until smooth enough to keep the unit from scratching the covers of books and the table or desk the stand will rest on.
- 5
  Apply a coat of wood stain or paint the book stand to finish.

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