I still like books. I have an electronic reader, but I still like books, bookmarks, highlighting, and even the occasional bent page. When it comes to household clutter, my home library is still a weak spot for me. Books are good to have, but like anything, you can enjoy and utilize them better if they are organized.
First, consider how you use books. The organizing system you choose will work best if it fits your own style. Where do you read? In the bedroom? The family room? Somewhere else? And, how do you read? Do you read for entertainment or for information? Most books fit broadly into those two simple categories. Do you reread books or not?
Second, based on the answers to these questions, make informed choices about what books you keep and where you store them. I reread very few books, just a few favorites that I have kept over the years. Most of my home library is reference rather than entertainment based. If you read, but don't reread entertainment books, consider passing them on promptly when you are done rather than storing them. Also, keep in mind that some reference books rapidly become dated. If you have reference books, consider storing them close to the activity that pertains to these books. This might mean cookbooks in the kitchen and hobby books close to your hobby supplies.
Finally, consider organizing the books you keep. This means having or creating adequate shelving that allows for display and grow room too. If you can't see what you own (hidden in boxes tucked away somewhere), you don't own it. Entertainment books can be sorted by genre and author for easy access. Reference books can be sorted by activity. Categories might include travel, cooking, grammar, maybe photo albums...When books are visible and organized, your home library is organized and ready for you!
How do you organize your books? What categories of books do you have?
1 comment:
Like you, I tend to pass on fiction as soon as I've read it, except for those special few that are so good I want to re-read them someday or hold onto so I can make sure it goes to someone who will enjoy it as much as I did.
My business-related books are on a large bookcase in my office and grouped by topic.
My "keeper" fiction and personal interest non-fiction are in another large bookcase in the spare room.
Cookbooks and a few key reference books are in the living room (no place to keep them in the kitchen).
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