Many of us really leaned into our personal libraries during the pandemic.  It was not only a great opportunity to read more, but it also allowed us to dust off those grubby stacks we always intended to read when we had the time!  Those ever-present stacks were easy to add to (if you enjoyed one book by an author, surely it was time to stock up on the whole collection, right?!). Now many of us are left with burgeoning personal libraries, and no clear idea how to house the hoard.  If your books are taking sides book over your life, here are some tips:

Tip 1: Lean into Technology

Books are easy to collect to excess, and the reasons for doing so are varied.  Perhaps you love the look of the spines, or you want them close at hand to read, or you just want to have them about.  If you are trying to contain your stacks, delve into your personal reasons for having books.  If it’s simply to read them, many can be found in audio or e-reader formats.  Create a structure for yourself by deciding which types of taking sides books you would like to have on hand (perhaps art or history books that you like to thumb through for inspiration) while others (bestselling novels or quirky mysteries you’ll only read once) can be digital.  PRO TIP: You don’t even have to buy an actual e-reader anymore.  There are a number of reading apps that allow you to peruse books and magazines on your phone or computer, making it easy to select what is best for your reading style.

Tip 2: Craft a Space

You’ve heard the old adage that a goldfish will grow only to the size of its bowl.  It’s the same with books (if you have a bit of discipline!).  First, decide how much space you need (A room?  A nook?  Just a bookshelf?) and create a space for your library within those confines.  Then edit your collection to fit within that space.  As it fills, train yourself to bring in new books to exchange with ones you already have, not add to.  PRO TIP: When you are creating your space, think about where you like to read.  If you like a nice chair and lamp, work them into your library space.  If you prefer to read in bed, you may choose to locate your library in your bedroom.

Tip 3: How to Edit

Culling your collection down to fit the space can be complex.  Make it easy(er!) on yourself by setting parameters.  Maybe you only wish to keep books you know you will want to read again, or only those with beautiful covers.  Some people create their libraries based on taking sides book that speak to pivotal moments in their lives, while others build them based on color-coordinated spines.  Whatever speaks to you – it’s your library!  PRO TIP: When all else fails, embrace maximalism!  Having an overflowing library can be a great look all on its own. And maximalism is coming back in – you’ll be fashionable in no time!

BONUS TIP: Don’t fall into the trap of keeping every book by a favorite author, or an entire series when you only really like some of them.  Just keep the ones that you love.  There also isn’t a need to keep a dictionary, a thesaurus and an encyclopedia set if you don’t want to; smartphones have all that info on them and it’s more updated, too.