I've have some experience making small items as a hobbyist woodworker, but my daughter just asked me to make a bookshelf, something better than an off-the-shelf book case (pun intended). It's to be perhaps 4' tall x 18" wide. I plan on gluing poplar into panels since the local plywood is available from Lowes or HD and the finish ply is very thin and I don't have any experience applying edging strips. Plus the porosity turns me off. I also plan on using peg boad as a template to drill the shelf adjusting holes. I'll apply wood conditioner & pre-treatment before staining. I'm also thinking perhaps a bead board backing and a fixed shelf mid-span with the above/below shelves height adjustable.
So now I'm wondering and would appreciate whatever tips you more experienced woodworkers might offer; strong joinery, etc.