Carpentry and Woodworking - building a personalized bookshelf?

Hi,

I would like to build a bookshelf (free standing) for my girlfriend for Christmas. She LOVES to read, and has a passion for literature. I have not found a design yet, but I'm looking for something simple and moderately sized. My skills are not very advanced, but I do have access to a great wood shop, and I can follow instructions. I have requested that she give me a list of 5-10 of her favorite literary quotes, but havent told her why. I would appreciate suggestions relating to:

1. Attractive, yet simple designs. Kind of classic, or even eclectic.

2. method for displaying the quotes and/or something else (i.e. initials). Paint, engraving?

3. other ideas for personalizing.

4. best types of wood.

Thanks,

S2

Just some basics to remember when you build it. Don't make it full ceiling height, as you will never get it to stand upright. Make the shelves adjustable by imbedding clip tracks in the side of the unit. Use 3/4" sandeply in either birch or oak for a flawless staining job, and face the plywood with either fir or oak. Imbed a backing of 1/4" luan by rabbeting the unit's back side to fit.
With basics done, you can use your imagination for the rest. You can omit the backing, and set a full 3/4" back which extends above the bookcase by about a couple of feet, sort of like a headboard, and frame it with face framing to hide the plywood edges. This will give you a place to either post your quotes, or install cork for a cork board for her notes, etc.
Good luck with the project, and post back if we can help once you get knee deep in it.