Books are our never failing friends. Our worldly friends may leave us, but books remain our best friends, philosophers and guides. Like a true friend, books stand by us through thick and thin. They encourage and uphold us when we feel sad or despondent.
These days we see so much books around. There have never been so many different books around, both new and second-hand. Thus, more people are building or adding an extra room where they can put their books. But because of the problem of space, designers are thinking how to create “smart places” and improve storaging.
Here are some quick tips when designing a home library.
Structural support. Books on shelves are heavier than most pieces of furniture. Consult your architect to ensure that the walls and the floor can support the weight.
Reading area. Plan for a spot to read. Wing chairs, futons and couches are popular choices for seating. Make sure there is enough light to read and that the spot is protected from outside weather.
The right room. When deciding on a room/portion of your home for a library, keep in mind to stay away from too much natural light and humidity. Both these factors have adverse effects on books. Excess light causes the inks to fade and high humidity leads to the growth of mold. Pests such as silverfish and termites can be gotten rid of by sealing the book in a plastic bag and freezing it. The bookshelves also need to be treated to keep away pests and moisture. Periodic cleaning (with a feather duster) of the books is a must.
Shelving method. When sorting and shelving your collection, pick a method that suits you best. Sort alphabetically, chronologically or even by subject.
