Are you someone who still enjoys a good book? Even with the popularity of streaming services and podcasts, books are here to stay. For avid readers, having a book collection can be refreshing yet tedious when keeping up with your new books, old books, and anything else related to those books. The best way to combat this is by creating your very own home library.

What is a Home Library?

A home library is having a dedicated space that resembles a public library but in your home. This keeps all your books in one area, safe and organized. It can also be used as a place to work and study. Home libraries do not have to follow certain guidelines and designs but rather what fits the owners’ preferences.

Here are a few tips to remember to make a home library that's stylish, functional, and works for you.

Assess Your Current Collection

Before getting your hands dirty with building your home library, see what you have in your collection. This will help you determine how much space you will need for your books.

Finding the Perfect Spot

The size of a home library can vary depending on the need for the size. Are you looking to dedicate an entire room to be made into your home library or just a corner nook in your bedroom? There are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

Here are spots in your home that you can put in your home library and areas that you should avoid.

Where to Put Your Home Library?

Under the Bed

It is good to put your books in an underutilized area, where they can be kept out of the way and protected.

A Corner Nook

This may require taking on a DIY project, but having your books away in a corner creates its own designated space.

Where to Not Put Your Home Library?

Against outside Walls

You want to keep your books in an area where they will last forever. Having your books against outside walls is subject to temperature change. This can cause mold and mildew to grow on your book collection.

Areas near food and drink

Building your home library may not be the best choice. This will avoid attracting any small animals or insects that may damage your books.

How to Organize Your Home Library

Since you've already assessed your current collection and seen what books you have, it's time to figure out how you want them organized. Here are some ways that you can organize your home library.

Alphabetical order - You can decide if you want to go A-Z by author name or book title.
Chronological order - Books can be ordered by the date it was published.
By color - If you're big on color schemes, you can group your books by a particular color.
By genre- Group your books by their genre. For example all the non-fiction books on one shelf and the sci-fi books on the next shelf.

Surrounding yourself with books can have many benefits. To ensure all your hard work doesn't go to waste, get homeowners insurance that will keep your books safe and protected in your home.

For more steps on how to create an at-home library, check out the infographic below.