Make a Cardboard Mini Library

Take one of your small boxes. Help your child remove any labels and cut off the two smaller flaps from the box opening. Explain to your child that the long flaps will be the doors for the mini library. Secure the back of the box with tape.

Stand the box upright on some newspaper with the long flaps vertical. Invite your child to paint each side of the box a solid color using their colorful paints and a paintbrush or sponge. Make sure they cover up any labels or writing on the box.

Help your child cut two sides off the second box to make the roof for the mini library. The sides can stay connected at the joint for a quick and easy roof. Use tape to attach the roof to the top of the first box.

Now the roof of the mini library is ready for your child to paint!

Cut or poke a hole in each flap to doorknobs for the mini library. Thread a pipe cleaner through both holes as a latch. Explain to your child that this is how they will open and close the doors to their mini library.

Now, it’s time for your child to decorate their mini library! They can use markers and crayons or more paint to draw pictures on the outside of the mini library. While your child decorates, ask them to think about the books they would like to place in their mini library for sharing and reading with friends. Perhaps their drawings can reflect the kinds of books they'd like to share with their friends.

Optional: Use a clear zip-top bag to add windows to the doors of the mini library. Do this by cutting out a square shape in the door. Next, cut open the sides of the plastic bag and tape it to the inside of the door. Add a library sign above the doors for a final touch!