Making Your Own Personal Library

*Originally published on 9/21/09



Some people really like to read. I, myself, am one of those people. As such, I have a lot of books. If you have an extra room, you might want to consider making it into a library/study.

It wouldn't take much really. All you'd need is either a recliner or a leather chair with matching ottoman. The room would need to be well lit, so a halogen lamp would also be a wise purchase. Depending on what you intend to use the room for, you can also put a desk in as well, though it's not necessary. I like to listen to music while I read so a stereo or iHome system would be beneficial.

The major aspect of any library is the collection itself. Obviously, you're going to need shelf space. Depending on what room you put the library in, it may already have built in shelf space that you can use to display your collection. If it doesn't, you need only buy a bookcase. If you're collection is too large for one, an additional one is not outside the realm of possibility. I would suggest you get the same type if you do pick up a second one, just for the sake of consistency.

If you own your own home and really have that many books, you can install built in shelves to line the walls of the room. For the do-it-yourselfer this is a task that you can do yourself, if not, you can hire a contractor to install the shelves you need.

Now that the room is ready and you have all the shelf space in the world, you need to fill it. The types of books that make up your collection will, of course, vary by taste. However, whatever your taste is, I would suggest trying to add as much variety as possible. It expands your literary horizons and makes your library seem all the more impressive.

If you're a comic collector like I am, you can devote some space towards your trade paperbacks. I don't think anyone will look down on you for having Watchmen or the Sandman books in your collection. The same goes for manga, display that stuff with pride people.

While newly released hardcover books are a tad pricey, paperbacks are not. If you want to save even more money, you should consider buying used. Whether it be at a local store or off of a website like Amazon, used books can go for real cheap and most of them are still in very good condition.

If you lean more towards the rare books, that will definitely be on the more expensive side, but if you are that diligent about obtaining first editions, you can probably afford to. It's not a requirement for a library however, though more power to you if your collection does consist of rare books.

If you need a place to store all of your books, a library is definitely worth considering. It beats keeping all of those paperbacks in boxes in the back of your closet. Also, you would be able to work the fact that you have a library into the conversation, it makes for an interesting bragging right. Had I the space, I would definitely consider converting a room into a library.