living with books

"You can tell a lot about someone by looking at their bookshelves." (The Millions)

I can't remember where I read about this book, but was thrilled to find it at my local library.

The book offers an interesting peek into personal libraries and bookshelves, including those of Larry McMurtry, Silvia Whitman of Shakespeare and Co., and Emma Straub. I love looking at people's bookshelves in their homes, or even a couple of books casually strewn on a coffee table. 

 Someone is a fan of Philip Roth. He's one American novelist I've never read. How about you?

 I was in awe of the libraries and collections I saw in this book, though I think some people go a little overboard. I mean, I have a lot of books but I certainly don't want to feel like I'm drowning in them.

I have books in every room in my home except for the bathrooms, though the only books in my kitchen are cookbooks. This bookcase is in our guest room. 

 Books on the dresser in the guest room.

Books in the master bedroom. My collection of Madeline L'Engle books are stacked on the bottom shelf.

I keep my poetry books in the living room.

A basket on the coffee table holds my current reads. I rarely read a book twice, but I'm making an exception with The Snow Child. I previously read it in 2013. I donate or pass my books along once I've read them (except for certain non-fiction which I will refer to again), but when I came across The Snow Child at a library book sale for 99 cents, I wanted to read it again since I enjoyed it so much the first time.

 Now if you'll come with my down to the basement, where I have my home library...

 This bookcase contains children's books, most of which belonged to my boys when they were growing up. These aren't all the books they had, of course. These are just the ones I saved. The few Nancy Drew books on the first shelf are mine.

More books on the console-table-turned-bar-cart and a basket of Brian's books underneath the table.

These IKEA bookcases are perfect for our basement! Close to 100% of our books are used. We scout library book sales as well as used book stores. I also buy used books online, either from Amazon or Abe Books. 

I use books in decor, too ~ not just on bookshelves. 

I'd love to hear how you live with books in your home. Do you have specific bookshelves, do you keep books stacked on your nightstand, do you use them in decor? What are you currently reading?