 If you're like me and many of my clients, books are easily the hardest thing to let go of. We love our books; we feel connected to them. They embody our hopes and dreams. They fuel our imagination. They cheer us up. They enlighten us. They inspire us. They transport us.
But when your bookcase runneth over, what to do? Here are some suggestions to help you pare down, and some clever space-saving units that hold books without taking up hardly any space at all. Read on.........
Parting with books is so much easier when you know they're going to those who will appreciate and enjoy them. Check out Books For
Public libraries can always use book donations and are among the first to feel the crunch when tax dollars get tight. Support your public library by giving books you no longer love and need. Let their stories live on.
Consider letting go of your old Encyclopedias. Generally, they're from the 70's or older, come in 25-30 volume sets, take up precious space and have zero monetary value. Letting them go can be a challenge, because often they're in good condition and hold valuable information and memories of childhood. If you decide to let them go, Craig's List usually nets results, and often a school or a craft center will take them. (Note that encyclopedias cannot be recycled unless the hard cover is removed, which can be quite a challenge.)
BOOKS TO CULL:
(1) Duplicates, and books with repetitive information
You only need one dictionary. (2) Books that are in poor condition unless they hold
sentimental information.
(3) Spiral-bound cook books (remove the few recipes
you actually use).
(4) Books you never intend to read.
(5) Books with information that is obsolete (i.e. a travel book
on Czechoslavakia or an old atlas).
Sell old textbooks at www.webuytextbooks.com. The site is very user-friendly. Just type in the ISBN number, and they'll get back to you with a price. Be ruthless! You haven't looked at them in how many years? Often the thought of getting rid of something is harder than actually doing it.
Be discerning about which books you allow to reside in your precious and oh-so-finite space!!!!!!! Remind yourself that you are making room for more books that you really want to read. As a general rule of thumb, I let go of 99% of my paprbacks unless they're related to one of my hobbies or my profession, or if they're used for reference.
 ..
....After you've culled the books that you no longer love, need or find useful, and you STILL need more room for books, here's one of my favorites. Sapien Bookcase from Design Within Reach stores books vertically and has a footprint of only 15" inches x 15". It comes in two heights and fits neatly in a nook or cranny.
This ingenious yet simple bookshelf will perform gravity defying magic in your own home. A stack of your favorite books will seem like they're floating on a wall. Best part: it will fit ANY budget, coming in at less than $15.00. (Holds 20 lbs. of books)
Have a wonderful, safe and organized weekend - xxx's,
Nancy
| 
