I don't know about you, but I am an avid reader. I have always loved books and get a real sense of comfort from holding one in my hands and flipping through the pages.
You might call me "old fashioned" but I prefer holding a book in my hands as opposed to a Kindle or other type of electronic reader. There is just something cold about holding a piece of plastic as opposed to turning pages of a book.
If you are an avid book reader, chances are you have quite a collection of books in your home. If so, are they organized? If not, here are some suggestions on how you can organize them so you can find what you want when you want it.
When it comes to non-fiction or reference books, it's best to organize them by category and then alphabetically by author.
When it comes to fiction, it's best to organize them by author and then in alphabetical order by book title. Organize your hardbacks separate from your soft backs. That doesn't mean they necessarily need to be on separate shelves. I put my hardback books in the back of the bookcase with paperbacks lined up in front of them. This makes it easy for me to read all of the titles and find just what I am looking for.
Personally, I have numerous bookcases for various types of books throughout my home. I have my non-fiction books on a bookcase in my upstairs hallway (there is plenty of room so it does not interfere with navigating to and from my bedroom), I have my fiction books in my guest bedroom/sitting room and business related books (marketing, organizing, etc.) on a bookcase in my office. I also have a cabinet that was specially made to store my cookbooks which sits just outside my kitchen, in my dining room.
Because I have an extensive amount of fiction (I love to relax at the end of my day by sitting down and reading a good fiction book.), I have taken the next step and created a small three-ring binder with alphabetical tabs in it, listing each author on a separate page with the titles of the books I currently have in my collection. This might seem extreme to some but I recognized the need to do this as I carry this binder with me when I go to the bookstore, the library or purchase books online. I do not buy duplicates because I know exactly what I currently have or have read in the past from that author. This works well for me as I tend to read books from the same general group of authors.
The other point I want to make is that when I am done reading one of my fiction books, I donate it or pass it on to a friend. I DO NOT keep fiction books after they are read. Life is too short and there are too many books out there to read so I don't want to go back and read the same book again. The non-fiction (if they are more of a resource) are kept after they are read. Biographies or autobiographies are passed on after they are read, as well.
Organizing your books is so important so that you know what you have and you can enjoy your collection.
I intend to continue to purchase books well into the future and am happy to say that I can locate what I want when I want it because my collection is organized. Yours can be too.
If you need assistance in sorting through the books, donating those that you no longer need or want and getting the restorganized, contact me. I'll be glad to help you out.
In the meantime, have a great week!
