A Library of One’s Own

It was Horace Mann, an American educator and advocate for public education, who said, “A house without books is like a room without windows.” To book lovers, a space to showcase their collection is as essential as a means to look out upon the world.

Historically, home libraries began as a way to put a family’s affluence on display. To be able to not only afford books but also reserve them a designated space in your home represented social status as well as education.

While that may not be the case today, many consider their books treasures deserving of display.

When thinking about starting or organizing your own home library, you should first consider your collection. Do you already have boxes and stacks throughout your home that need a permanent residence? Or are you just starting out and looking to expand your inventory?

Doing so may determine how much space you want to dedicate and what shelving options may be best for you. If you’re an avid bibliophile, it might be worth the investment to designate the majority of a room to built-in bookcases. If you’re just starting out or limited on space, floating shelves are an affordable and transitional option.

Sally Bradshaw, owner of Midtown Reader, has books scattered throughout her home, with the largest collection being in her study, pictured above. Photo by Alicia Osborne

Sally Bradshaw, owner of Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, has built-in bookshelves throughout her home, with the largest collection of books in the study. Annie Jones, owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, invested in sturdy shelving from IKEA spanning the walls of her sunroom.

Both booksellers have most of their books in one room, while also embracing stacks throughout their homes — a shelf of cookbooks in the kitchen, a to-be-read pile on the bedside table or books on a piano or coffee table.

“Readers shouldn’t feel bound by convention,” said Bradshaw. “People tend to think books should be reserved to a study or office, but I think no space should be off limits to books.”

Once shelves are in place, you’ll likely want to devise a system of organization. Common organization options include by genre, alphabetically, chronologically, by topic or by color. Often, readers will designate a section for collector’s or vintage books, books with special meaning or books they find themselves reaching for again and again.

“I’ve organized my books many ways throughout the years — by genre, by books that I feel are in conversation with one another, but right now they are organized by color,” said Jones. “Organizing by color is visually appealing and always brings a smile to my face when I walk in the room.”

Many readers may feel obligated to confine their books to a single room. But Bradshaw and The Bookshelf’s Annie Jones believe books belong anywhere and everywhere. Install built-in shelves near the bedroom (above). Photo by Alicia Osborne

Organization is an individual choice that considers ease of access, visual appeal and personality.

Your shelves don’t have to solely house books. Trinkets or mementos often find their way amongst the stacks. For example, amidst the books on Jones’ shelves, you’ll find a small portrait of Jane Austen, needlepoints, a bouquet of pencils that reminds her of the movie You’ve Got Mail and art by friends.

From gold-gilded antique spines to conversation-starting covers, the books themselves create the most desired decor.

“I believe that books are the most affordable and beautiful art you can have in your home,” said Jones.

Bradshaw encourages people to read whatever they like. For her part, she enjoys mysteries, thrillers, Southern Gothics and “nonfiction that reads like fiction.” Photo by Alicia Osborne

If your collection has a dedicated space, you may decide to fully lean into the home library aesthetic, creating a cozy reading nook. Think plush seating piled with pillows and knit blankets, ambient lighting and nearness to a fireplace or a coffee, tea or cocktail station.

Remember, having shelves that aren’t full is not a problem but a promise of more to come. Rather than trying to fill the space for the sake of it, consider curating a meaningful collection, which can take some time.

A wonderful way to start and continue building your library is to enlist the guidance of a bookseller who would be more than happy to help you find tomes that align with your preferred genre.

Books can be stored on a floating shelf in the kitchen. Photo by Alicia Osborne.

Jones understands that at times, cost can hinder collectors. She suggests searching thrift stores, garage sales and library sales for treasures.

Walking into a room that houses your books should feel like being greeted by old friends or adventure awaiting in the pages of an uncharted world.

“Remember, books are meant to be read, not just sit there,” said Bradshaw. “The best home libraries are those curated with books you like, books that reflect your personality and preferences.”