Organizing the Bookworm
My clients love to read! Very often I find myself in homes with books upon books upon books. This has been especially true of recent organizing or move assignments. The people I have worked with, whether in preparation for a move, settling into a new home, or decluttering to stay in place, have all had this in common: more books than space to house them. That can be said for more than just the books in our homes, but it has definitely been a recurring theme of late.
Books are a precious commodity for many reasons. It is said that to look at the books in a person’s home is to look into a person’s soul. Maybe so. The titles on our bookshelves show us and others what it is we’re interested in, for learning and for fun. Books connect us with the world, opening our minds to possibilities we may not have known existed. They serve as roadmaps for life, showing us ‘how to’ do just about anything from raising a puppy to financially investing for retirement to cooking a 5-star meal.
How Books Bind Us
Letting go of books poses a challenge unlike any other category of our belongings because they are the representation in our lives of who we are, who we were, and who we want to be. They reflect our personalities, values, and passions. The categories below reveal some of those representations and why letting go is difficult.
1. Intellectual and Identification Value: Books that tie a person to their education or former career are often the most plentiful category found. It’s no wonder having spent so many years identifying us by a certain livelihood that books connect us and keep us tethered to that identification, no matter how much time has passed since that relevancy.
1. Sentimental and Historical Significance: Books can certainly be full of nostalgia. Do you remember your favorite childhood book? And do you have memories of it being read to you? It is the memory of the time or person we recall perhaps more so than the story itself. We don’t want to let go of the book for fear of letting go of the memory. Other books may have historical significance in that they belonged to or were authored by a cherished family member or friend. It may also mean that the book recounts the events or culture of a certain people or time. Or it may hold historical value as a classic passed down through the generations.
2. Future Reading and FOMO: Of course, I may never know if a client ultimately reads a book not yet read. As we review and remember each book, the intention to read it is real, while the probability remains low. For some people, there is the fear of missing out on learning, enjoyment, and adventure. Letting the book go means letting go of an opportunity, or access to information, just in case.
3. Perceived Value: Aside from the representative values noted, many people believe their books may have monetary value. First editions, for example, may hold some financial value. Printing information, sometimes including an iteration of the phrase, ‘first edition’ can generally be found on the copyright page. But the tangible presence of books is often held in high esteem. In a digital world, flipping through the pages of a book brings comfort.
Should it Stay or Should it Go?
Now that we know some of the reasons why we keep so many books, how can we go about decluttering or reducing the quantity? First, we need to know whether reducing the quantity is in fact the goal. Books can be collected just like any other special interest item. Owning the book for the joy of owning it, or its aesthetic appeal may sound like reason enough. But if reducing the quantity of books is the goal…
1. Set some ground rules. What characteristics must the book possess to make the cut?
a. Have you read this book?
b. Is it a favorite book or written by a favorite author?
c. Does it have sentimental or known financial value?
2. What is the likelihood, given all the choices of readily available books, that you will read or re-read this book?
3. Does it hold the same appeal now as when it was purchased or received?
4. Are you keeping the book to read or for collection purposes?
5. Would you buy this book today?
6. Would you recommend it to others?
7. Do you have a reading plan? Perhaps set a certain number of pages or length of time per sitting?
8. If you haven’t read it, why not?
9. How much space in your home are you willing to devote to the storage of books?
Where to Donate Books
Although proven to be a challenging task, there are lots of thoughtful ways to donate books. Beyond local libraries, schools and general donation centers, book collection bins can often be found in supermarket parking lots. You may also find little free libraries popping up in your community, or you can set up your own. Other organizations to donate include senior centers, military collection services, homeless shelters, and prisons.
Share the love, donate books.