My Not So Minimalist Bookshelf and How I’ve Learned to Be More Intentional With My Books
I am a writer, a reader, and a practical minimalist. Meaning, I do my best to be intentional about every single thing that comes into my life, whether that’s work, people, things, and now even books.
I used to buy books and keep them on my shelves for years, many of which I always planned on reading, but never did. Popular young adult series, thought-provoking nonfiction titles, and thrilling fiction.
At one point, my bookcases were overflowing and I needed to keep buying more shelves to fit them all. Working at Barnes & Noble for 13 years didn’t help because I got books at a discount and we also received a ton of ARCs (advanced reader copies) so we could promote the book when it came out. All of that attributed to my overwhelming book collection.
But when I started my minimalist journey, I knew books were going to be the hardest thing for me to sort through and declutter. And yet, it wasn’t. I actually found it quite liberating to pass along books I had no interest in reading. As for the ones I read and didn’t like, I was more than happy to give them to someone else who would appreciate them.
Why tell you all this? Well, this post is about intentionality and how, even being an avid reader, you can still be careful with the books you bring into your home and the ones you choose to keep.
Why It's Important to Be Intentional with the Books You Bring into Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary, and the books you choose to surround yourself with should reflect your values, interests, and personal growth. The books you choose to keep in your home are a reflection of who you are and what you believe in. They can also have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. The books you read can shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and it's important to choose books that will have a positive impact on your life.
By being intentional about the books you bring into your home, you can create a space that is both inspiring and comforting. You can surround yourself with books that inspire you to pursue your passions, books that challenge you to think critically, and books that offer guidance and support during difficult times.
If you’re a writer like I am, this can be difficult to grasp. But trust me, it’s easier than you think. The first time I decluttered my books, it was hard, but I soldiered through and you know what, I don’t miss the books I got rid of. In fact, it made room for all the books I actually wanted to read. Now, I declutter my bookshelf twice a year and I’m still amazed by how many titles I pass on each time.
It's Okay to Let Go of Books You Don't Need
It's common to hold on to books that we don't need or don't even plan on reading. We may feel guilty about getting rid of them, but it's important to remember that books are meant to be read and enjoyed. If a book is not serving a purpose in your life, it's okay to let it go.
One way to determine if a book belongs in your home is to ask yourself whether you would read it again. Be honest! If the answer is no or “maybe one day,” then it's time to consider donating it or giving it away. You can also ask yourself if the book has had a positive impact on your life. If it hasn't, then it's time to let it go.
Another telling sign is if a book has been sitting on your shelf for years and you haven’t cracked open the spine. If you plan on reading it, make it your next read. If not, donate it and, if you do decide to read it in the future, you can always loan it out from a library.
For more information about what to do with books you no longer want, check out my blog post about six ways you can responsibly declutter them.
Make Use of Your Public Library
One way to be intentional about the books you bring into your home is to make use of your local public library. Public libraries are an excellent resource for finding books that you may not have access to otherwise. They also offer a wide range of services, including book clubs, author events, and reading recommendations.
When you borrow books from the library, you can be more selective about the books you bring into your home. You can borrow books that you're interested in reading and return them when you're done. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of reading without cluttering your home with books you don't need or like.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you shouldn’t support your favorite writer by NOT buying their book and instead loaning it out from the library. It’s all about balance. There are authors that no matter what, I’ll buy their book because I know I’m going to love what they write. But once I read them, I can let them go. Let someone else enjoy the story.
Donating Books Is a Great Way to Spread the Joy of Reading
If you have books that you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity or community organization. Donating books is a great way to spread the joy of reading and make a positive impact on your community.
When you donate books, you can help others discover new authors and ideas. You can also help create access to books for those who may not have the means to purchase them. By donating your books, you can make a meaningful contribution to your community and help promote literacy and education.
During my first round of decluttering, I got rid of books by either selling them to a local used bookstore, online using PangoBooks, or donating them to a nearby Little Free Library. In fact, I got rid of so many books that weren’t meaningful to me that I managed to get rid of one bookcase. I’m down to four now, which is still a lot, but they’re not full to the brim. They have plenty of space for new books that I plan on reading.
What Matters Most Is the Titles You Keep
It's important to remember that the number of books you have doesn't matter as much as the titles you keep. A small collection of high-quality books is far more valuable than a large collection of books that you'll never read.
When choosing which books to keep, consider the value they bring to your life. Do they inspire you? Do they challenge you? Do they offer guidance and support? If the answer is yes, then these books are worth keeping.
The books I choose to keep are those that I refer to again and again. Most are nonfiction while others are fiction. I know this post won’t make everyone declutter their bookshelves, but if anything, I hope you learned that books, while filled with wisdom and new worlds, are still things that we can be intentional about bringing into our lives and home.
Remember, the books you choose to surround yourself with have a significant impact on your life. They can and should inspire you, challenge you, and offer guidance. By being intentional about the books you bring into your home, you can create a space that nurtures your personal growth and well-being.
So, take a moment to reflect on the books you have in your home. Are they serving a purpose in your life? Do they reflect your values and interests? If not, let them go and make room for books that will. And remember to make use of your public library and donate books to promote literacy and education in your community. Happy reading!
Do you have a hard time decluttering books? What is your reason for keeping books even those you don’t like or plan on reading?
