If you dream of having a private library with a spiral staircase, antique clocks, and shelves stacked to the ceiling, the Cutebee Eternal Bookstore is that dream in miniature.
It is one of the most affordable book nooks on the market, often costing $10-$15 less than its Rolife competitors But does "cheaper" mean "cheap quality"?
I built this kit to see if the savings are worth it. The short answer: Yes, but get ready to fold a lot of paper.
The Build Experience
Phase 1: The Structure
The wood pieces in this kit are standard 3mm plywood. They are laser-cut well, but they feel slightly lighter and more brittle than Rolife's "premium birch."
- Warning: Be gentle popping them out. If a tab snaps, you will need Super Glue [Link to Amazon] to fix it immediately.
Phase 2: The Books (The Marathon)
This kit is 80% books. You aren't gluing individual wooden blocks; you are cutting out paper strips, folding them, and gluing them to look like rows of books.
- The Vibe: It is repetitive. Put on an audiobook. It takes hours, but the result looks surprisingly realistic because the paper has texture.
- Tool Tip: You absolutely need Precision Tweezers [Link to Amazon] to place these onto the shelves. fingers are too big.
Phase 3: The Spiral Staircase
This is the "Wow" factor of the kit. It looks intimidating, but the engineering is smart. You stack the steps around a central pillar.
- Tip: Use a fast-grabbing wood glue like Titebond II [Link to Glue Guide] so the steps don't slide around while drying.
Wiring the Lights.
The lighting in the Eternal Bookstore is excellent. It uses warm LEDs to highlight the upper deck and the grandfather clock.
- The System: It usually uses a standard battery box (AA or AAA) tucked into the back.
- The Challenge: The wires are thin. You will need to tape them flat against the back wall so they don't bulge out.
- See our Guide to Hiding Wires for tips on how to do this invisibly.
Pros & Cons.
Pros:
- Price: It is often on sale for under $35.
- Depth: The mirror at the back creates an "infinity" effect, making the library look endless.
- Details: The tiny scrolls, picture frames, and dog figurine add immense character.
Cons:
- Paper Heavy: If you hate cutting paper, this kit is your nightmare.
- Dust: The intricate shelves catch dust easily. We recommend a Dust Cover (sometimes included, check the box listing).
The Verdict.
The Cutebee Eternal Bookstore is the best "Bang for your Buck" kit on the market. It isn't as sturdy as a Rolife kit, but once it is on your shelf, you can't tell the difference.
Buy this if:
- You want a classic "Dark Academia" aesthetic.
- You are on a budget.
- You find folding paper relaxing.
Skip this if:
- You want a mostly wood build (Try Rolife Sunshine Town instead).
- You don't have patience for repetitive tasks.
➡️ Check Price on Amazon here