Pages

Tuesday 31 January 2012

One Too Many

Lately it's come to my notice that I have - brace yourselves - too many books. Now if you're thinking but that's not possible, you crazy loon, I wouldn't blame you. I didn't think it was possible either. But, alas, it's a question of space. Or the lack thereof. 

Our house is the size of a matchbox and the photo is of just one of three - no, four - 'book' spaces, the latest of which is the floor next to Steve's side of the bed. I'd love to buy another bookshelf but there'd be nowhere to put it. Such is the sorry state of affairs.

I also have to admit that I own a lot of books I probably won't ever read again. In the past I've found ways to make room by getting rid of these books - I've shoved them in boxes, I've given piles to charity shops, dropped some off at libraries, and recently I've been thinking about websites like We Buy Books (which looks really fun, by the way!), where they buy the book and then sell it on. The nice thing about giving the books away instead of stashing them somewhere out of sight is I know someone will probably end up buying - and maybe loving - them.

But it's a bit of a wrench to part with them all the same.

Now if your solution to this problem is just don't buy any more books or well, just buy everything on Kindle, no. Can't. I love my Kindle but I love creased spines and turning pages more. And as for the first option, ha. Why don't you just cut off my right foot while you're at it, hey?

Help? Anybody know any creative ways to store books?

13 comments:

  1. For awhile I had a dresser where every drawer was filled with books. We got kid number two so it had to be turned over to clothes. Now all those books are in boxes next to my bed.

    I like to take the books I know I will never read again, or that I didn't like (doesn't happen often as I usually read a book before I buy) and take them to my local used book store. I get store credit to buy more books. I know. Doesn't help the shelf situation. But it does the reading situation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stack and use them as coffee table legs!
    We have too many books, but fortunately I do like the eBooks on my iPad.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wish I had some advice, but as it is my own 'library' is encroaching on my pantry. It is a huge pantry considering how tiny the house is, but it's still a little weird to go in for cereal and come out with a book. And I'm with you on the Kindle issue. It is easier to read books on my iphone, but I can't lend them to my son or give them away to the library when I'm done, and that takes away part of the fun of owning books... sharing them with others.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, Sangu,
    I too have way too many books. I've given some away, starting with those I don't think I'd ever get around to reading. Can't say how you're gonna store any more. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have boxes and boxes of books in the attic. My husband hauls them down ever so often so I can sort through them and reread my favorites. I wish I had an answer for you, but the only way I get rid of books is if I give them away. It feels good to know I'm passing on something I love to someone who will appreciate it, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a cute book nook! I use books as decoration in my apartment--I have several stacks of them piled along the wall. It makes me happy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The big pile of books littered along the side of my bed proves I don't have a worthwhile answer to your question. Oh, well...here's to creased spines and turning those pages :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Er, I'm afraid I don't have any advice. I've got stacks of books all over the place in my room. :) LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  9. a problem I don't mind having. Donating is a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  10. There is always the spot behind the couch. I like the coffee table leg idea, too. I'm with you, I hate parting with books.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'd rather donate my books to others who loves to read and write rather than stuck it in my cabinet

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm quite disciplined so when I've read a book I'll pass it on to a friend or donate it to charity unless it's about India and then it's a keeper. x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Er... have you thought of ebooks? :) I too have book storage issues. Sigh. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

    ReplyDelete