The trick with woodworking is having the right tools for the job. And those tools can get mightily expensive, especially if you're looking to build a bookcase that is more than plywood screwed together like Safeway seemingly suggested. In the long run, though, you don't need a power tool for everything, some things can be done with hand tools by the beginner. Also, take notes of family members who have tools that you can borrow, and also consider renting any tools you might need.
http://www.plansnow.com/bookcases.html
That's a good site to check out some plans and maybe see what you'll need, and also to be able to see if it's something you think you'd be able to do. They are cheap, and you might be able to find one for free that you can check out (use a spam email to sign up for the newsletter to get the free plans).