It is every bookworm’s dream to have a beautiful, cozy home library, one where you can go from time to time to unwind and recharge yourself. While going to bookshops and libraries is an exciting experience, having our own serene home library or even a small bookshelf gives a different satisfaction.
Let’s delve into some ideas on how to kick-start and organize a home library.
- Start with the basics-Select an Appropriate Bookshelf
You can get the bookshelves readily available in the markets/online or get them tailor made according to your needs. However, selecting the right one for your home is very important.
Vertical bookshelves will give you space advantage. In-built shelves and storage spaces will help you to store your notepads, diaries, stationaries, magazines, and some books. It is a good idea to plan for future and keep some space for the books to be added later. If the vertical bookshelf is going all the way to the top till the ceiling, you may keep a movable ladder or a stepping stool to access the books.
- Categorize the Books
It is a good practice (and an unsaid thumb rule) to organize your books as per the categories suitable to you and not just randomly place the books wherever space is available on the shelf. You may sort by following categories:
Broad Categories are Fiction, Non-Fiction and Children’s Books
You may then sub-categorize them into individual categories by author, genre, alphabetical, series, color of the book cover, classics.
It is important that you are comfortable with arrangement and understand your intuition of what works best for you.
- Catalog the Books
If you find yourself with a large pile of books that’s becoming difficult to keep track of, cataloging them can be a lifesaver.
Simply scan the book’s barcode with your smartphone and it will be automatically added to the cataloging app’s database. If the books are very old, barcode number can be added manually.
There are several apps that offer free book cataloging services, such as Goodreads, Libib, and LibraryThing, just to name a few.
There is no downside to having a cataloging app. All the books you own is at your fingertips. The database comes in handy while shopping for the books or lending the books to family and friends. You may also decide to sell or donate some of the books as needed.
- Book Care
Always leave some space between the books. Keep the bookshelf away from the direct sunlight to avoid yellowing and fading of pages. Reading a book in the sunlight occasionally is different from placing the bookshelf in direct sunlight permanently at home. Glass bookshelves are an excellent choice, but they require careful maintenance to keep them in the best condition. Regular cleaning and dusting of bookshelf is a must. Add desiccant pouches at around the books to prevent the moisture damaging the books. Keep the books upright or lying flat so as to protect the spine of the book. Do not use paper clips, post-it notes, sticky notes, tapes, dog-ear the pages since that leads to permanent damage of the pages.
Avoid making bookshelves in damp places like basements, attics, garages where there is a high risk of heat, moisture, dust, termites. Moisture can attract insects and make paper brittle.
- Design a welcoming reading space
Don’t follow unnecessary fashion trends that hinder finding books. Have a comfortable, sleek and contemporary style.
Invest in a cozy armchair. If space permits add a hanging egg chair with some cushions and also make some arrangements for comfortable floor sitting so that you have options to sit as per your mood. Good ventilation, light, serene ambience, provision for playing music can add a certain comfort to the place. Having a small writing and reading desk and chair can help in jotting the thoughts, making notes or just an additional space to read. If space permits, keeping a small coffee machine helps to elevate the experience.
Add a personal touch. You can place miniature décor items around the room as well as on the bookshelves, quotes, bookends, display your bookmark collection, memorabilia from your favorite authors, figurines, photo frames, etc.
Whenever you find yourself unsure, make it a habit to visit your nearest local library and consult with the librarian for guidance.
Leave a Reply