these are cheap tables, but they'll work fine, and it means i should be able to get to reinstalling some things on that side of the room next week.
the box is sufficient for the back of the bookcase but it seems to have been sitting in cigarette ash. the item itself doesn't smell, but there was literally grey soot all over the box. i've got it airing out, and i'll try to lysol it a few times, but i may have to toss it.
so, that's done with, and the last component for the furniture to construct in that space is bringing the wood to home depot, which i'll wait until april to do. although i can also maybe ask if the guy up there has a wood saw...