Hiya Sue! :)

For books, check out your library first.. there are some good basic standard books there.. or a used bookstore....

Premade MDF shelves may be your best bet... anything over about 30 inches will need a center support so the shelves don't get all saggy.. if they are more than about 5 feet tall, you will want to consider anchoring them to the wall..

I'm all for make your own stuff.. but having recently gone through a search for bookshelves myself.. it ended up being less expensive to buy 'em.. yeah.. not really the Handy Grrl way.. but there ya go.

Hope some other HGs will have some good ideas for you.. & post a pic when you've made your creations.. would love to see them!