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An inside look at Thomas Jefferson's personal library at Monticello
Alex Wong/Getty Images"I cannot live without books," said U.S. President Thomas Jefferson to his close friend John Adams. Jefferson, a passionate book collector from an early age, managed to build three home libraries throughout his life. His first collection was lost when his family home burned in 1770. Jefferson expressed that the loss of the books affected him more deeply than the financial cost [source: Monticello].
Following the destruction of the Library of Congress in the War of 1812, Jefferson sold his second collection of around 6,000 volumes to the federal library [source: Library of Congress]. His library was regarded as the finest in the country, and its size effectively doubled the holdings of the Library of Congress. Even after such loss, Jefferson continued to build his library, accumulating over 2,000 books by the time of his death [source: Stanton].
Jefferson's library may evoke images of a traditional home library with leather-bound books, dark wood, and stiff chairs. However, home libraries can be vibrant reflections of the owner's personality. Designing your own library is an exciting way to showcase your passions while creating a dedicated space for reading.
Although there’s no single correct way to design a library, the process can be overwhelming, especially for those with large book collections. How do you sort them? How can you ensure everything fits? In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a home library that works for your space and needs. On the next page, we’ll explore tips for organizing a collection, from French philosophers to magical young wizards.
Most rooms can work, but a few exceptions exist. While it's lovely to read in a sunlit room with large windows, keeping books in direct sunlight can damage them. Rooms like attics or basements, where humidity is high, can lead to mold growth and attract pests. Basements are also susceptible to flooding.
Home Library Organization
The way you choose to organize your books may only make sense to you.
Philip Lee Harvey/Stone/Getty ImagesIf you’ve ever used a public library, you’ve likely encountered Melvil Dewey and his system for organizing libraries. The Dewey Decimal Classification System categorizes books into ten broad groups, such as philosophy, religion, and the arts. Each group has a number, so to find books on modern art, you’d go to the 700 section. Larger institutions like university libraries often use the Library of Congress Classification System for more detailed subject grouping, including subjects like medicine and law, with a total of 21 categories.
Your home library may not rival the size of your local public library, but with an efficient organizational system, you'll still be able to quickly locate any book you need. Consider following in the footsteps of Dewey or the Library of Congress by categorizing your books by subject matter. Sections dedicated to topics like history, technology, or fiction can make finding books much easier. This approach also gives you the chance to showcase specific interests, such as an extensive collection on World War II history.
Here are some other ideas for organizing your library.
- Alphabetizing by author works great for fiction, but it’s not ideal for nonfiction books covering a variety of topics.
- Though judging a book by its cover is usually frowned upon, organizing by color can create an aesthetically pleasing effect for some. Those who forget what color their books are might not agree, however.
- In Nick Hornby’s novel "High Fidelity," the protagonist organizes his record collection chronologically by the order in which he acquired them after a tough breakup. A chronological system might track your life’s milestones, from childhood favorites to university textbooks and parenting guides.
- Some people prefer to divide their books into two categories: read and unread. Organizing by when you’ll need a book can help you keep unread books at the forefront, while also keeping your frequently-used reference materials or favorite novels close by.
Once your collection is organized, it’s time to find a place to store it. In the next section, we’ll explore bookshelves and other furniture options for your library.
Want to keep track of your collection at the click of a button? Several online and software programs can help you manage your library’s inventory. Here are some options:
- Online programs: LibraryThing offers free cataloging for up to 200 books, or unlimited books with a paid account. Shelfari and Reader2 also provide free unlimited cataloging. You can search by title, author, or ISBN to find your books and add them to a virtual bookshelf. These sites also have social features, allowing you to connect with other users who share the same books. Browsing their collections might help you discover new reads!
- Software: Delicious Monster is a Mac program that lets you scan book barcodes with a handheld scanner or webcam to add them to your library, and it can also catalog DVDs and CDs. Readerware works on both Mac and PC systems, letting you scan your collection or manually input ISBNs. Other software options include BookCAT and Collectorz.com Book Collector.
Organizing your collection digitally not only helps you maintain an accurate inventory, but it also enables you to replace books if they are lost or damaged in a disaster.
Library Furniture
This fortunate individual has ample space for a home library that features built-in shelves, cozy seating, and abundant natural light.
Alvis Upitis/Photographer's Choice/Getty ImagesWhile it's tempting for book lovers to focus all their spending on books, you'll eventually need some proper shelving. Recessed or built-in bookshelves offer a great solution with floor-to-ceiling storage, maximizing space. These shelves can be hidden under stairs or tucked away in corners. However, they’re not ideal for renters and may require a hefty investment in both price and installation. Freestanding bookcases are available in many sizes, styles, and price ranges, making them an easier option. Additionally, you can install hanging bookshelves on walls or purchase glass cases to preserve valuable books, especially if you own antiques or rare editions.
The main threat to bookshelves is sagging. A bookshelf that measures 36 inches (91 cm) in length should have shelves that are at least one inch (2.54 cm) thick. For longer shelves, thicker materials are essential to prevent drooping under weight [source: Ellis]. To make the most of your shelf space, consider adjustable bookshelves, which allow you to make room for taller books like large coffee table volumes without wasting space on smaller ones. Personal items like photographs and keepsakes can also be added to decorate your bookshelves, giving them a more personalized look while leaving room for your collection to expand.
As your bookshelves climb higher, a library ladder may become necessary to reach the top shelves. While any step stool or ladder can work, a rolling library ladder adds both elegance and charm. These ladders are mounted on a tracking rod, and the wheels on the bottom allow you to smoothly glide from one end of your library to the other.
When choosing additional furniture for your library, think about how you’ll be using the space. If you plan on taking notes or writing during your reading sessions, a desk or lap desk might be useful. Desks and bookstands also provide support when reading hefty volumes that are too large to hold comfortably. While plush couches and chairs might tempt guests to linger for hours, if you tend to fall asleep the moment you sit down, you may want to opt for more functional seating, especially if your reading is more scholarly or professional.
No matter where you sit, it can be difficult to enjoy your library if you're dealing with eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches—all of which can be caused by improper lighting. When choosing your lighting, look for a lamp that can illuminate the smallest print. Place the lamp over your shoulder to avoid direct glare, and ensure it’s brighter than the ambient room lighting, but not overwhelmingly so. Remember, any light can eventually cause harm to your books, so it’s best to use it sparingly [source: Ellis].
Did the thought of damaged books send a chill down your spine? Keep reading to learn how to protect your collection from its natural enemies.
When Jim Rosenau created his first furniture piece from second-hand books, he expected book lovers to be appalled. Instead, his artistic book displays have earned praise as a creative way to showcase books. He crafts bookshelves from colorful books and also designs customized shelves by pairing like-themed books with complementary props. For example, a shelf of golfing books might be paired with golf club handles. To explore his creations, visit Rosenau’s Web site.
Book Care: Protecting Books from Mice, Mold and Moisture
This seemingly friendly creature may look harmless, but it's actually a book-eater.
Michael Carroll/Photodisc/Getty ImagesDo you speed through books? You're not alone. Some insects do the same, but not because they're after a great story. Silverfish are attracted to glue and paper, lurking in dark, hidden spots and coming out at night to feast. Cockroaches leave behind brown streaks on pages, marking where they’ve already had their fill, or are in the process of devouring the paper and bindings. Bookworms are more than just avid readers. The dangerous variety will burrow into the pages, munch through them, and even lay eggs inside. Book lice thrive in dusty, dark corners, consuming book paste, glue, and mold. Termites find wooden bookshelves irresistible and will target paper stored there. Rodents, including mice and rats, are also notorious for chewing through books.
After detecting an infestation, immediately separate the affected books. If necessary, seal them in plastic bags and freeze them to kill the pests. To prevent such invasions, keep your library clean by minimizing dust and moisture, which attracts these troublesome creatures.
Maintaining control over moisture and dust is essential not only for keeping book bugs at bay, but also to prevent mold and fungus growth. Mold thrives in temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and with a humidity level of 65 percent or higher [source: Ellis]. Dehumidifiers help remove excess moisture that could cause bindings to loosen, stains to form, and mildew to appear. However, avoid over-drying; during winter, using a humidifier can balance the humidity levels. Dust attracts moisture and mildew, so dust your books regularly to avoid buildup. Additionally, good ventilation is crucial, and using a fan may help, as books should not be kept near radiators. The ideal temperature for books is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (16-21 degrees Celsius). Air conditioners and fans can help regulate the climate, as extreme heat combined with low humidity can cause the paper to become brittle, while high heat with high humidity encourages mold growth.
As we covered earlier, lighting can be detrimental to your books, causing fading, bleaching, and long-term damage. Natural light is especially harmful. If your library has windows, make sure to close the blinds or curtains to limit exposure. Reducing the strength and duration of light exposure is key to protecting your books.
Excited to start filling those shelves with your favorite books? Flip the page for some useful links to help you set up your very own home library.
For book lovers, creating a home library is an ideal way to bring organization to their literary passion, but for some, the appeal of a library might simply be the aesthetic value of books. Certain companies, such as Book Décor, cater to this by offering vintage books that you can purchase by the yard to style your space.
