A Simple Guide to Building your home library

Building a home library is a rewarding and enriching experience. Whether you are an avid reader or just starting to explore the world of books, having a personal library can provide endless hours of entertainment, knowledge, and inspiration. So let’s explore the essential steps to help you create your own home library.

Step 1. Determine Your Reading Interests

Before you start building your home library, it's important to identify your reading interests. Are you into fiction, non-fiction, or a specific genre? Some basic fiction genres include Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Dystopian, Thriller, and Paranormal. The Non-Fiction variety include Memoirs or Biographies, How to guides, Personal Development, Art, History, or Spiritual Growth. 

Knowing your preferences will help you curate a collection that aligns with your interests and keeps you engaged. You can have a wide range, and if you have trouble you can always ask you fellow readers for book recommendations. If there is a particular book that stands out then you can read the books blurb to get a feel for what it’s about and if you might like the genre.   

A word of caution: Not every book does it's genre justice, so keep an open mind. 

Step 2. Set a Budget

Establishing a budget for  a home library is an important step in the process, including the cost of furnishing. Establishing a budget is essential in order to determine the amount of money that can be allocated to the purchase of books, shelving, and other necessary components of a library. It is recommended to research the cost of purchasing books online, in bookstores, and at library sales to determine the most cost-effective option.

One of my favourite cost-effective sources to find new books are the local book box libraries, quite often set up in small towns that have a lot of tourist or travellers passing through, or where there is no standard library to access. The book boxes are set up like a trading stand where you leave a book you no longer want in exchange for another book that's available. - High tourist towns often have best gems and have a regular turnover of books because of the many travellers looking for a new book to read. 

Another thing to consider though is the budget of space. Investing in sturdy and functional bookshelves is fantastic for organising and displaying your books, they can also add to the aesthetics of the room, but consider the size of your space and the number of books you plan to have. Adjustable shelves are a great option as they allow you to accommodate books of different sizes.

Step 4. Organise Your Books

Organising your books can make your home library more visually appealing and easier to navigate. You can choose to organise them alphabetically, by genre, by author, or even by color or size.

There are some people who go an extra step by dividing there books into separate shelves or sections of "Read", "To be read", "The books okay to be leant out to others", and "I only bought this because it looks pretty". Some may find your organisation style chaotic but every readers has they own system. Find a system that works for you and stick to it. 

Step 5. Create a Cosy Reading Nook

A home library is not just about the books; it's also about creating a comfortable reading environment. Consider adding a cosy chair, a reading lamp, and some cushions to create a cosy reading nook where you can immerse yourself in your favourite books.

When setting up this space, you will need to keep in mind some factors such as the level of surrounding noise and distractions, Lighting for both day and night, Temperature control, and the most important how close it is to food and beverages. With this in mind I strongly recommend having more than one reading nook or if that is not feasible adding adjustable items that cater to the climate at the time.    

Step 6. Expand Your Collection

Building a home library is an ongoing process. Continuously expand your collection by exploring new authors, genres, and topics. Visit bookstores, attend book fairs, and join book clubs to discover new releases, old classics or hidden gems. You can also connect with fellow book lovers that can give you great book recommendations. 

Helpful hint: When it's getting closer to special event days like Birthdays, Christmas, Graduations, Anniversaries, or Weddings (Yes, even your wedding.) Create a wish list of books you've been wanting, make the list easily available for your family and friends to look at. Book lovers are one of the easiest people to buy for but only if your loved ones know what to buy. 

Step 7. Take Care of Your Books

Properly caring for your books will ensure they last for years to come. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity for prolonged periods of time. Ensure your hands are clean when handling the books as well as the surface the book rests on, and store the books in a well-ventilated location (Dust, smoke and air pollution can cause discolouration in the pages). 

Use bookmarks or ribbons to save your place. Leaving the book open and faced-down can cause creasing on the spine. Folding the page is an absolute No, and avoid using anything that clamps the pages such as paperclips or elastic bands.

A word of caution: Avoid using items found in nature as bookmarks. While yes, they do look aesthetically pleasing, leaves and foliage all contain water and natural colourants that can seep out on to the pages. A spare pieces of paper can be used as a bookmark but note if there is any ink that may transfer under the pressure of a closed book.  

Step 8 - Share Your Library

Share the joy of reading by inviting friends and family to borrow books from your library. Consider starting a book exchange or hosting book club meetings in your home. Sharing your collection can create a sense of community and foster meaningful conversations.

Keep in mind there are certain etiquettes and expectations to be aware of when borrowing and lending out books.  

• All books you lend out should have your name on it; or it may not come back.
• Some book borrowers often take forever to read a book or never intend to return it, so keep some way of tracking who has borrowed your books.
• If repeat borrowers who fail to return books is a concern, establish a limit of how many books and for how long.
• Don’t lend a book if you need it or plan to read it within the next month.
• If a book is important or one of your favourites, don’t lend it out unless you absolutely trust the borrower.
• If you weren’t a huge fan of the book and don’t plan on reading it again, suggest the borrower to keep it or lend it on.
• Don’t lend books you have borrowed without clearing it with its owner.

These are a few of the most common book borrowing expectations, but you may chose not to lend out any of your books. The choice is up to you. 

Step 9 - Enjoy the journey.

Building a home library is a personal and enjoyable journey. Take your time, explore different genres, and savour the process of curating your collection. Also remember that a home library is not just about the books; it's about creating a space that reflects your passions.   

By following these steps, you can create a home library that is not only a source of knowledge but also a sanctuary for your imagination. Happy reading!

See you soon,

LC Webb

Author, editor, and Publisher