Introduction: Invisible Book Shelf

Cast levitation level 7 on your books!

Step 1: What You'll Need

Book
Good sized "L" Bracket
Carpet Knife
Pen
Small wood screws (of the flat headed variety)
Large wood screws
Tape Measure or Ruler
Glue
A Stack of Books for Weight

A friend at work gave me a stack of Stephen King books that were collecting dust in his garage. My previous two shelves from the introduction were free books that my public library was trying to get rid of.
Use a book you don't mind never reading again.

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once.

Measure the half way point, make a mark, set down your bracket, draw an outline, measure again, cut out a hole deep enough that the bracket will set flush. You are doing this to the back or bottom of the book, the part that will be visible in the finished product.

Step 3: Don't Put Away the Carpet Knife Yet!

Use your knife to make a notch for the "L" bracket so the book can sit flush against the wall.

Step 4: Screw Stephen King!

...or at least place your small wood screws to secure the "L" bracket in place, and one on either side toward the edges of the book to secure the pages of Stephen Kings book together. Hanging the bracket over the edge of a desk, chair, or counter is helpful. The pages will try to rise up the screw as you insert it, so make sure you're putting some pressure on them to keep them in line. If this part is not done correctly the end result will show the pages as wavy and will tip off the viewer that something is amiss. The picture shows me using a cordless drill, but I found that doing it by hand was much more effective.

Step 5: Glue, and Apply Pressure

The glue will hold the bottom cover of the book in place, and the screws hold the pages together. Put the stack of books on top of the whole deal and wait overnight.

Step 6: No. Seriously, Wait Overnight.

Did you think I was kidding?

Step 7: Attach It to the Wall.

...sorry to switch books, but I wanted to finish the Instructable while the glue was drying.

use a large wood screw to attach the whole mess to the wall. Find a stud first.

Step 8: Load It Up!

put some books on it to cover your handiwork. make sure you put enough books to cover the bracket, don't leave it like this picture.

Step 9: Forget That It's There...

...and wait for the crazy looks on peoples faces when they notice it and can't figure it out.

The Instructables Book Contest

First Prize in the
The Instructables Book Contest