📋 Tutorial Overview

⏱️ Time Required: 3-4 hours

💰 Cost: $0 (completely free)

🎯 Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

🛠️ Coding Required: None (AI-generated)

Plan

Setup

Generate

Configure

Deploy

Launch

Plan Your Multilingual Library Catalog

Before building anything, you need to define exactly what your library catalog should do and which languages it should support.

1.1 Define Your Languages

List the languages your community speaks. For this tutorial, we'll use English and Ukrainian as examples.

Language Planning Checklist:

Identify primary community languages
Determine reading direction (left-to-right, right-to-left)
Note special characters or alphabets needed
Plan for transliteration if needed
Consider cultural naming conventions

1.2 Define Required Features

Write down what your catalog needs to do:

Feature Requirements Example

Essential Features:
• Book search and browsing
• Multilingual interface (English/Ukrainian)
• Patron registration and login
• Book checkout and return system
• Admin dashboard for librarians

Nice-to-Have Features:
• Email notifications
• Mobile-responsive design
• Advanced search filters
• Reading history
• Book recommendations
                

1.3 Estimate Your Collection

Count your current books and estimate future growth:

Current books: How many books do you have now?
Growth rate: How many books do you add monthly?
Formats: Print books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines?
Special collections: Rare books, manuscripts, local history?

💡 Pro Tip

Start simple! You can always add features later. Focus on core functionality first: search, browse, and basic patron management.

Set Up Your Development Environment

You'll need several free accounts and tools. Don't worry—everything is free and we'll guide you through each setup.

2.1 Create Required Accounts

Required Free Accounts:

Claude AI: Visit claude.ai and create an account
GitHub: Go to github.com for code storage
Firebase: Visit firebase.google.com for database
EmailJS: Go to emailjs.com for email notifications
Netlify: Visit netlify.com for hosting

2.2 Install Development Tools

Download and install these free tools on your computer:

Required Downloads: 1. Visual Studio Code (code.visualstudio.com) 2. Node.js (nodejs.org - download LTS version) 3. Git (git-scm.com)

⚠️ Important

Make sure to download the LTS (Long Term Support) version of Node.js. After installation, restart your computer.

2.3 Verify Installation

Open your computer's terminal/command prompt and run these commands to verify everything installed correctly:

node --version npm --version git --version

You should see version numbers for each command. If any command fails, reinstall that tool.

✅ Checkpoint

You now have all the tools and accounts needed. In the next step, we'll use Claude AI to generate your entire library catalog system!

Generate Your Library Catalog with Claude AI

This is where the magic happens! Claude AI will generate your entire library catalog system based on your requirements.

3.1 Prepare Your Prompt

Copy this detailed prompt and customize it for your library:

Claude AI Prompt Template

Create a complete multilingual library catalog system with the following specifications:

LIBRARY DETAILS:
- Name: [Your Library Name]
- Languages: English and [Your Second Language]
- Location: [Your City, Country]

REQUIRED FEATURES:
1. Multilingual interface with language switcher
2. Book catalog with search and browse functionality
3. Patron registration and authentication system
4. Book checkout and return management
5. Admin dashboard for librarians
6. Email notifications for new accounts
7. Mobile-responsive design
8. Cultural sensitivity for [Your Community]

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- React.js frontend with Tailwind CSS
- Firebase backend database
- EmailJS for notifications
- Deployment-ready for Netlify
- Progressive Web App features
- SEO optimization

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Support for [Your Language] script/alphabet
- Cultural naming conventions
- Local library card numbering system
- [Any specific cultural or community needs]

Please generate the complete file structure with all necessary components, including configuration files, documentation, and deployment instructions.
                

3.2 Generate the Code

Follow these steps in Claude AI:

Log into your Claude AI account
Start a new conversation
Paste your customized prompt
Wait for Claude to generate the complete system
Ask for any clarifications or modifications needed

💡 Getting Better Results

Be specific about your community's needs. Mention special characters, cultural considerations, or unique requirements. Claude works better with detailed instructions!

3.3 Download and Organize Files

Claude will provide multiple code files. Create this folder structure on your computer:

my-library-catalog/ ├── src/ ├── public/ ├── package.json ├── README.md └── .gitignore

Copy each file Claude provides into the appropriate folder. Claude will tell you where each file belongs.

3.4 Initialize Your Project

Open terminal in your project folder and run:

cd my-library-catalog npm install

This downloads all the code libraries your catalog needs.

⚠️ If You Get Errors

If npm install fails, try: npm install --legacy-peer-deps. If you still have issues, ask Claude AI for help troubleshooting the specific error message.

Configure Database and Services

Now we'll connect your catalog to Firebase (database) and EmailJS (notifications). This step requires copying some keys and IDs.

4.1 Set Up Firebase Database

Follow these steps in your Firebase console:

Go to firebase.google.com and click "Get Started"
Click "Create a project" and name it "my-library-catalog"
Disable Google Analytics (not needed for libraries)
Click "Create project" and wait for setup to complete
Click "Continue" when done

📱 Add Web App to Firebase

In Firebase console, click the "</>" icon to add a web app
Name it "Library Catalog"
Check "Set up Firebase Hosting"
Click "Register app"
Copy the configuration object - you'll need this!

4.2 Create Firestore Database

In your Firebase console:

Click "Firestore Database" in the left menu
Click "Create database"
Choose "Start in test mode" for now
Select a location close to your library
Click "Done"

🔒 Security Note

Test mode allows anyone to read/write your database. After setup, we'll configure proper security rules. For now, this is fine for testing.

4.3 Configure Your Application

Find the configuration file Claude generated (usually src/config/config.js) and update it with your Firebase credentials:

src/config/config.js

// Replace these with YOUR Firebase project details
export const FIREBASE_CONFIG = {
  apiKey: "your-api-key-here",
  authDomain: "your-project.firebaseapp.com",
  projectId: "your-project-id",
  storageBucket: "your-project.appspot.com",
  messagingSenderId: "123456789",
  appId: "your-app-id"
};
                

4.4 Set Up EmailJS (Optional but Recommended)

This enables automatic welcome emails for new patrons:

Go to emailjs.com and create a free account
Connect your Gmail account (or use their service)
Create an email template for welcome messages
Copy your User ID, Service ID, and Template ID
Add these to your config file

4.5 Test Your Setup

Run your catalog locally to test everything works:

npm start

Your catalog should open in your browser at http://localhost:3000. Try creating a test book and patron to verify everything works.

✅ Checkpoint

Your catalog is now running locally with a real database! Next, we'll deploy it to the internet so others can access it.

Deploy Your Catalog to the Internet

Time to make your catalog available to the world! We'll use free hosting that can handle thousands of users.

5.1 Upload Code to GitHub

GitHub will store your code safely and connect to hosting services:

# In your project folder, run these commands: git init git add . git commit -m "Initial library catalog setup"

Go to github.com and click "New repository"
Name it "my-library-catalog"
Make it Public (required for free hosting)
Click "Create repository"
Follow the "push an existing repository" instructions GitHub shows you

5.2 Deploy to Netlify

Netlify will host your catalog for free:

Go to netlify.com and sign up with your GitHub account
Click "New site from Git"
Choose "GitHub" and authorize Netlify
Select your "my-library-catalog" repository
Set build command to: npm run build
Set publish directory to: build
Click "Deploy site"

🌐 Custom Domain (Optional)

Netlify gives you a random URL like "amazing-curie-123456.netlify.app". You can change this to something like "mylibrary.netlify.app" in the site settings.

5.3 Configure Environment Variables

For security, move your Firebase keys to Netlify's environment variables:

In Netlify dashboard, go to Site Settings → Environment Variables
Add each Firebase configuration value as a separate variable
Redeploy your site to apply the changes

🔒 Security Important

Never put real API keys directly in your code files. Always use environment variables for production deployment.

5.4 Verify Deployment

Once deployment completes:

Click on your site URL in Netlify dashboard
Test the language switcher
Try searching for books
Test patron registration
Verify admin login works

🎉 Success!

Your multilingual library catalog is now live on the internet! Anyone with the URL can access it.

Test, Secure, and Launch

Before opening your catalog to the public, let's ensure everything works perfectly and is secure.

6.1 Comprehensive Testing

Test every feature with real data:

Testing Checklist:

Add 5-10 sample books in both languages
Create test patron accounts
Test book checkout and return process
Verify email notifications work
Test on mobile phones and tablets
Try all admin functions
Test search in both languages
Verify language switching works properly

6.2 Secure Your Database

Replace test mode with proper security rules in Firebase:

Go to Firestore Database → Rules in Firebase console
Replace the test rules with production-ready security
Click "Publish" to apply the new rules

Firestore Security Rules

rules_version = '2';
service cloud.firestore {
  match /databases/{database}/documents {
    // Allow read access to books for everyone
    match /books/{bookId} {
      allow read: if true;
      allow write: if request.auth != null;
    }
    
    // Patron data - users can only access their own
    match /patrons/{patronId} {
      allow read, write: if request.auth != null && request.auth.uid == patronId;
    }
    
    // Admin-only collections
    match /circulation/{docId} {
      allow read, write: if request.auth != null;
    }
  }
}
                

6.3 Set Up Backups

Protect your library data with automatic backups:

Enable Firebase's automatic backups in project settings
Set up weekly exports of your book catalog
Create a simple backup script using Claude AI if needed

6.4 Add Analytics (Optional)

Track how your catalog is being used:

Add Google Analytics 4 to track usage
Monitor which books are most searched
Track language preferences
Identify popular features

6.5 Create User Documentation

Help your patrons and staff use the new system:

Documentation to Create:

Patron quick start guide (both languages)
How to search and find books
Account registration instructions
Staff training manual
Admin dashboard guide
Troubleshooting common issues

💡 Pro Tip

Ask Claude AI to generate user manuals for you! Just describe your catalog features and ask for step-by-step user guides in both languages.

🚀 Ready for Launch!

Your multilingual library catalog is now ready for public use. Congratulations on building a professional library system for free!

Ongoing Maintenance and Improvements

Your catalog is live, but here's how to keep it running smoothly and add new features over time.

Daily Tasks (5 minutes)

Check for new patron registrations
Process book returns and checkouts
Monitor system status on Netlify dashboard

Weekly Tasks (30 minutes)

Add new books to the catalog
Review patron activity and overdue books
Check backup status
Review analytics for usage patterns

Monthly Tasks (1 hour)

Update outdated book information
Review and improve catalog organization
Plan new features based on user feedback
Update documentation if needed

Adding New Features

When you want to add new functionality:

Describe the feature you want to Claude AI
Ask for code modifications
Test changes locally first
Push updates to GitHub
Netlify will automatically deploy changes

🔮 Future Feature Ideas

Popular additions include: book reviews, reading lists, event calendars, digital book lending, integration with library services, mobile app versions, and advanced reporting.

🔧 Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Site won't load after deployment

Solution: Check Netlify deploy logs for errors. Often caused by missing environment variables or build failures.

Problem: Database connection fails

Solution: Verify Firebase configuration is correct. Check that Firestore is enabled and rules allow access.

Problem: Email notifications not working

Solution: Check EmailJS configuration. Verify service ID and template ID are correct in your config file.

Problem: Language switching not working

Solution: Check browser console for JavaScript errors. Verify translation files are properly loaded.

Problem: Mobile display issues

Solution: Test responsive design. Ask Claude AI to fix specific mobile layout problems.

🆘 Getting Help

If you encounter issues not listed here, copy the exact error message and ask Claude AI for help. Include details about what you were trying to do when the error occurred.

✅

Congratulations! You're Done!

You have successfully created a professional, multilingual library catalog system completely for free using Claude AI. Your community now has:

🌍 Multilingual Access

Library services accessible in multiple languages

📱 Modern Interface

Mobile-friendly, professional design

💰 Zero Cost

No licensing fees or monthly subscriptions

🚀 Scalable

Grows with your library and community

                🎯 What You've Accomplished
                Built a complete library management system
Created multilingual user interfaces
Set up automatic patron management
Deployed a professional web application
Configured secure, scalable infrastructure
Established ongoing maintenance procedures

            

Share Your Success!

Help other libraries by sharing your experience:

Document any customizations you made
Share your catalog URL with other library communities
Contribute improvements back to the open-source community
Help other libraries implement similar solutions

Next Steps

Consider these enhancements as your library grows:

Digital Collections: Add e-book and audiobook support
Community Features: Book clubs, reading challenges, reviews
Integration: Connect with other library systems
Mobile App: Create native mobile applications
Advanced Analytics: Detailed usage reporting and insights

🌟 You've Empowered Your Community

By creating this multilingual library catalog, you've removed barriers and made knowledge accessible to everyone in your community, regardless of their primary language. This is the power of combining AI technology with community service.

Total Time Invested: 3-4 hours
Total Cost: $0
Community Impact: Immeasurable

About This Tutorial

This step-by-step guide demonstrates how AI technology can democratize access to professional software development, enabling small organizations to create enterprise-level solutions without traditional barriers of cost or technical expertise.

Author: Olha Buchel (londonukrainianlibrary@gmail.com)
Created: August 2025 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 3-4 hours

Technologies Used: Claude AI, React.js, Firebase, Netlify, EmailJS

How to Build a Free Multilingual Library Catalog Using Claude AI

📋 Tutorial Overview

Plan Your Multilingual Library Catalog

1.1 Define Your Languages

Language Planning Checklist:

1.2 Define Required Features

1.3 Estimate Your Collection

💡 Pro Tip

Set Up Your Development Environment

2.1 Create Required Accounts

Required Free Accounts:

2.2 Install Development Tools

⚠️ Important

2.3 Verify Installation

✅ Checkpoint

Generate Your Library Catalog with Claude AI

3.1 Prepare Your Prompt

3.2 Generate the Code

💡 Getting Better Results

3.3 Download and Organize Files

3.4 Initialize Your Project

⚠️ If You Get Errors

Configure Database and Services

4.1 Set Up Firebase Database

📱 Add Web App to Firebase

4.2 Create Firestore Database

🔒 Security Note

4.3 Configure Your Application

4.4 Set Up EmailJS (Optional but Recommended)

4.5 Test Your Setup

✅ Checkpoint

Deploy Your Catalog to the Internet

5.1 Upload Code to GitHub

5.2 Deploy to Netlify

🌐 Custom Domain (Optional)

5.3 Configure Environment Variables

🔒 Security Important

5.4 Verify Deployment

🎉 Success!

Test, Secure, and Launch

6.1 Comprehensive Testing

Testing Checklist:

6.2 Secure Your Database

6.3 Set Up Backups

6.4 Add Analytics (Optional)

6.5 Create User Documentation

Documentation to Create:

💡 Pro Tip

🚀 Ready for Launch!

Ongoing Maintenance and Improvements

Daily Tasks (5 minutes)

Weekly Tasks (30 minutes)

Monthly Tasks (1 hour)

Adding New Features

🔮 Future Feature Ideas

🔧 Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Site won't load after deployment

Problem: Database connection fails

Problem: Email notifications not working

Problem: Language switching not working

Problem: Mobile display issues

🆘 Getting Help

Congratulations! You're Done!

🌍 Multilingual Access

📱 Modern Interface

💰 Zero Cost

🚀 Scalable

🎯 What You've Accomplished

Share Your Success!

Next Steps

🌟 You've Empowered Your Community

About This Tutorial