Whether for the show or the know, a home library speaks volumes (pun intended – har dee har) about its owner. From a stylistic and intellectual perspective, it sheds light on an individuals’ or families’ take on lifestyle, artistic, philosophical, and entertainment preferences. Because of this, home libraries ought to be constructed with careful deliberation – and with these tips, tricks, and resources, anyone hoping for a little reading room to call their own can piece together a space that reflects their unique tastes.

1. LibraryThing : LibraryThing’s free account allows the home librarian to keep track of up to 200 books, and charges $25 for an unlimited account. This makes for a great way of keeping track of smaller collections.

2. Book plates : Personalize books by pasting acid-free plates on the inside cover – which works well for those who want to lend out their wares.

3. Take a trip to the public library. : The local public library can provide inspiration for the layout of a private one as well as open up doors to great books to characterize a collection.

4. Shelves : Obviously the cornerstone of any room drowning in books, the shelves serve as both a utilitarian and aesthetic element. Whether a DIY venture, constructed of re-appropriated objects, or sprung from a furniture store, they remain one of the most important things to consider when building a home library.

5. Hit the blogs.: As with the library, book blogs can offer up some great insight into what literature is and is not worth checking out. The Book Blog Directory makes for a great place to start.

6. Organize in a way that makes sense to you. : The Dewey Decimal System and the Library of Congress System work great for public and academic libraries, respectively. But home librarians may want to organize by alphabetical order, subject matter, color, size, or another method that suits their preferences best.

7. Libraries aren’t always about books. : Public libraries often incorporate music, movies, and other media that entertains, educates, and broadens horizons. Some public libraries may be interested in following suit.

8. Any room is possible. : No matter the size or shape a home library can be built to fit any room – some have even converted closets to fashionable book storage!

9. Book Décor : For those who care little about what they read or want to fill out empty shelves, Book Décor sells its classy goods based on design instead of literary taste.

10. Ladders : A classic library staple, anyone who utilizes high bookshelves will need a ladder to reach their highest tomes safely.

11. Bookends : Decorative bookends make a fashion statement, break up monotony on a shelf, and keep books from slipping and sliding out of their stations.

12. Seating : Choose comfortable chairs, couches, and other seating arrangements that allow patrons to sit for hours on end and keep a room looking beautiful.

13. Proper lighting : Do the research and find out what lighting styles work best for the particular atmosphere the library is trying to convey – and be sure to see which ones actively damage books as well!

14. Humidifier : While too much moisture causes considerable problems for delicate bindings and pages, not enough can be just as dreadful as well. Keep a humidifier on hand for when the air grows far too dry.

15. Dehumidifier : As with the humidifiers, dehumidifiers ought to become part of any serious home library as well. When the air gets too heavy with moisture, they can suck out the droplets that cause mold and other possible problems.

16. Minimize natural light : Though natural light can imbue a room with a lovely burst of sunshine, it also causes books to fade and crack. Collectors serious about preserving their libraries ought to minimize their exposure and stick with manmade lighting options.

17. GuruLib : This community allows home librarians to not only catalogue their collections, but discuss books and share their literary opinions with fellow readers.

18. Attend a library auction. : Public libraries occasionally hold auctions of older books that are still in good condition. These make for a great way of gathering items for the shelves and supporting a local institution as well.

19. Measure everything first. : Even smaller home libraries still need to be measured before installing shelving and furniture just to make sure everything fits.

20. Decide between decorative or functional. : Some people build libraries purely to add an intellectual flair to their homes without even bothering to read the books contained within. Others want their collections to be used and loved – even shared! Deciding which of the two styles works best for the needs and wants of the home is integral to the process.

21. Work out a budget beforehand. : As with any project for the home, it is always a great idea to sit down and analyze finances in order to gain a clear picture of what elements of a home library will and will not break the bank.

22. Paperback Swap : Connect with individuals and booksellers in the area to organize trades for interesting tomes to read and flesh out a home library.

23. Hit up vintage or antique book stores. : Vintage and antique books add a classy flair to any library, and many of them come at surprisingly affordable prices.

24. Don’t buy books you don’t want. : There is no point in spending money on books that do not fit the décor or do not feature interesting premises.

25. Test the strength of the shelves. : Before setting heavy books on shelves, make sure they are strong and sturdy enough to not bend or break under the weight. Some may require metal braces or other reinforcements.

26. Fan : A fan helps cool off not only anyone sitting in a home library, but also prevents books from becoming too moist and sustaining damage.

27. Hit up thrift stores. : Thrift stores oftentimes boast a few shelves full of used books – usually paperbacks - at extremely low prices.

28. Keep freestanding shelves on level ground. : Always make sure that freestanding shelves sit on even flooring, lest they tip over and cause any number of problems both major and minor.

29. Look for bulk book sales. : Bulk book sales also provide a treasure trove of numerous volumes at reasonable prices – perfect for those with lots of shelves that need filling.

30. Craigslist : Check out Craigstlist for books that local owners are willing to give away or sell at extremely cheap prices.

31. Opt for minimal wall décor. : The shelving units will, in all likelihood, serve as the main focal points of even the smaller home libraries. Hanging too many posters or works of art on the walls may make the room appear very busy.

32. Ask for books for gift-giving holidays. : Those with a large amount of space to fill on their shelves may want to ask for books whenever birthdays and holidays roll around as a utilitarian gift.

33. Consider magazines. : Books can be very lovely, but the presence of magazines can break up some of the visual monotony and offer another alternative to novels and book-length nonfiction.

34. Do not eat in the library. : Crumbs, food, and other edibles run the risk of attracting pests that can easily cause considerable damage to books.

35. Do not smoke in the library. : Secondhand smoke causes books to discolor and become brittle, so while smoking in a library may seem sophisticated, doing so will actually ruin the contents.

36. Consider clear plastic book covers. : For added protection, clear, thin, plastic book covers offer up a great method of keeping books safer and healthier without compromising their aesthetic value.

37. Reader² : Reader² provides a great social network for readers to keep an online listing of their collections and network with like-minded groups and individuals for recommendations and possible swaps.

38. Dust regularly. : Be sure to set aside a regular time – weekly or monthly – to painstakingly dust the library in order to keep it looking fresh and prevent damages to the books themselves.

39. Stack massive books flat. : Large, heavy books such as atlases and some encyclopedias may structurally benefit from being stacked horizontally, as the traditional method puts plenty of stress on their covers and bindings.

40. Come up with a solid loan policy. : Some home librarians may want to check their books out to interested family and friends, so formulating a strict, organized loan policy will help them keep better track of what is out and what is in.

41. Embossing : An alternative to bookplates, embossing makes for a small, classy method of establishing ownership and keeping possessions more permanently labeled.

42. Think about alternatives to shelving. : Crates, drawers, and other containers may prove more visually interesting ways of keeping books stored and preserved than the traditional shelves.

43. Wood blinds : Wood blinds block out considerable amounts of potentially damaging natural light as well as look very lovely.

44. Consider attaching freestanding shelves to the wall. : Should the ground prove unlevel or the owner desire more stability and peace of mind, it is very possible and very easy to attach freestanding bookshelves to the wall.

45. Hit up used bookstores. : While used bookstores are not the only option for those hoping to fill their shelves, they do provide some of the best variety of reasonably priced literature anywhere.

46. Make the shelves fit the architecture - not vice versa. : Do not feel the need to remodel in order to set up a home library – make furniture and decorations work around the building instead. It certainly saves headaches in the long run.

47. Place shelves along inside walls. : Outside walls may trap cool, possibly moist air that causes books to discolor, mold, and deteriorate.

48. Use shallow shelves for smaller or fewer books. : There is no need to waste wood and space by placing a small amount of more compact books on a deeper shelf.

49. Hit up flea markets and garage sales. : Though likely not as effective a search as used book stores, flea markets and garage sales nevertheless provide a great opportunity to find cheap literature to fill out the shelves.

50. Delicious Monster : Keep detailed track not only of books, but movie, music, toy, video games, and tool collections as well – perfect for anyone dealing in antique or other valuable books.

51. Consider crates. : Instead of shelves, crates may make for a visually interesting alternative if stacked and painted in an artistic way.

52. Set aside space for the kids. : Anyone with children or wanting to entertain those of their family and friends ought to partition off one section of the home library especially for them.

53. Magazine and/or newspaper rack : If magazines and newspapers are to be included in a home library, racks make for a great way to both display and organize them.

54. Display particularly striking covers facing outward. : Not all books have to be shelved in the traditional manner. Break up some of the visual monotony by placing some of the more gorgeous books facing out instead of hiding their beautiful face.

55. Remaindered books : One way to snatch up new literature at bargain prices is to look for deals on remaindered books on sale at stores or through the publishers themselves.

56. Consider including music. : A great selection of appropriate music can set the right mood for reading and relaxing.

57. Check out award winners. : Oprah only promotes classics that have already enjoyed generous recognition – look for the reliable awards and institutions that tout books as worth reading in the first place.

58. Think about digital books. : While not as glamorous as their leather-bound cousins, the availability of digital books can add a sense of well-roundedness to a home library.

59. Knock Knock’s Personal Library Kit : Serious lenders or those wanting a home library kit purely for kitsch reasons will absolutely love this retro-inspired system of loaning out a beloved book.

60. Look online for décor tips. : The internet overflows with ideas and inspirations for how to set up and decorate a home library – be sure to search extensively for what others have done given the same space and budget constraints!

61. Goodreads : Connect with other bibliophiles in order to get some great ideas as to fiction and nonfiction books alike that fit with one’s collection.

62. Consider incorporating a computer. : Keeping a computer in the library will make it easier to keep an inventory of larger collections as well as allows the downloading of eBooks and other digital literature.

63. Book Sale Finder : Find a local book sale – either held by an individual or a business – as a means of purchasing reasonably-priced literature for the home library.

64. Book Information Website : Anything and everything about collecting and maintaining a wide variety of books can be found here, making this an excellent resource for the home librarian.

65. Rarebooks.org : Home librarians hoping to add rare or antique books to their collections will absolutely love this valuable website that offers them up a generous amount of information.

66. Readerware : Touting itself as “the easiest, fastest way to catalog your collections,” Readerware allows users to keep track of their collections by scanning barcodes or UPCS or entering in ISBN numbers.

67. Donate, trade, or sell books that do not fit. : There is no need to keep hanging onto books that will collect dust and just sit unread or look awkward and out of place on a decorative shelf. Donate, trade, or sell any that do not work and fill the space with more appropriate literature.

68. Consider DIY projects. : DIY projects oftentimes cost considerably less than their ready-made counterparts, and stand as an extra source of pride for those who built all or parts of their home library themselves.

69. “Preserving Antique Books” at Antiques Roadshow : The Antiques Roadshow crew weighs in on how to keep antique books from sustaining further wear and tear.

70. Go for some fiction and some nonfiction. : Blend a little of the real and fantastic together in order to offer up visitors a more well-rounded selection of literature.

71. Bibliomania : Another excellent resource for book collectors, hosting a very wide variety of information on preservation and other valuable advice.

72. Windowshades : Should wood blinds prove unfitting to the overall décor, windowshades also effectively block out the natural light that can damage books.

73. Doors : If possible, spring for doors in order to create a more closed-off haven for reading and relaxing.

74. “Preserving Works on Paper: Manuscripts, Drawing, Prints, Posters, Maps, Documents” at The Library of Congress Preservation ;' Learn how to prevent yellowing and tearing for a number of different literary and decorative elements popular in home libraries.

75. Use incandescent bulbs. : Fluorescent bulbs can actually cause discoloration in book pages in spite of their comparatively more environmentally-friendly structure.

76. Consider blending in a home office. : Those with space constraints may want to consider a combination home library and office or study, especially those whose book collections contain a high amount of research and reference material.

77. Complete Home Library : Complete Home Library is another bit of software that lets home librarians with hundreds of books to contend with keep track of every one they own.

78. BookCAT : BookCAT stands as one of the most comprehensive tools for keeping books digitally organized and inventoried.

79. Keep books about an inch from the back of the shelf. : Keeping about an inch of space between the shelves and the books allows for better air circulation and prevents stagnation that leads to mold.

80. Your Shelves! : Look over the creative, unique styles of all the featured home libraries in order to get some inspiration for particular aesthetic, budget, and space concerns.

81. Keep seating near lighting. : When arranging furniture, it is a good idea to place seating near lamps and other sources of manmade light to maximize reading comfort.

82. Set up an Excel spreadsheet. : If the prospect of downloading or using complicated online tools does not sound appealing, an Excel spreadsheet offers up one of the most flexible and personalized methods of cataloging books.

83. Begin building children’s libraries at baby showers. : New families wanting to introduce the world of literature and reading to their children may want to request books in lieu of the usual baby gifts.

84. Reach Out and Read : Some families may want to look into the Reach Out and Read program for their children, which works with medical professionals to help promote literacy as early as possible in life and recommend appropriate reads for appropriate levels.

85. ALA-Children’s Book Council : The Children’s Book Council through the American Library Association dishes out expert advice on the best books that home librarians will want to consider for ages 3-14.

86. “Rare Books for beginners” at National Library of Scotland : The home librarian enamored of the idea of collecting rare and unusual books would do well to review what the National Library of Scotland advises for novices.

87. “A Simple Book Repair Manual” at Dartmouth College : Some damages do not have to be permanent, and this handy guide from Dartmouth College helps the home librarian learn how to reverse them

88. Hit up book fairs. : Book fairs at schools and other organizations can make for a great way of obtaining new literature for a home library – especially for kids!

89. Keep children’s books where children can reach them. : Should a section of the library be partitioned off for children, make sure to keep their literature at their level for easy access.

90. Collectorz.com Book Collector : Scan ISBNs or manually input authors and titles with this excellent cataloguing tool that helps prevent losses and makes insurance claims much easier.

91. Home libraries do not have to be huge. : Home libraries come in all shapes and sizes and colors and styles, so there is no need to feel obligated to emulate the classic wood-panels-and-leather-chairs getup.

92. Consider book drawers. : As an alternative to shelving, book drawers make for a visually appealing means of storing literature and keeping it safe from moisture and other damaging elements.

93. Books can be stacked underneath tables. : Tables with small shelves beneath them can provide an eye-catching storage space for loose books unable to fit in bookcases.

94. Build shelves around windows. : Home librarians must take precaution to minimize their books’ exposure to natural light, but that does not mean that the spaces around the windows have to be ignored when it comes to constructing or installing shelves.

95. Leather can be conditioned with petroleum jelly. : Books bound in leather benefit from treatments of quality petroleum jelly to soften the covers and prevent cracking.

96. Consider a minibar. : Food may attract potentially harmful pests, but a well-stocked minibar makes for a classy and classic addition to a larger home library.

97. Consider metal bracing. : Metal bracing does nothing but help reinforce shelves, making weaker ones strong and sturdy ones just that much better.

98. Keep the temperature between 60°F and 70°F : Such a temperature range prevents books from sustaining damages from the heat or the cold.

99. Shelfari : This social networking site provides bibliophiles with connections and networks to other book lovers and helps them find literature that fits in well with a home library.

100. Organize a book swap. : People living in areas with few opportunities to snatch up used books – or those hoping to diversify their options – may like the idea of organizing a swap for like-minded home librarians to meet and exchange their unused or unread literature.

Home libraries are in a rather unique position to place their owner’s ideas and aesthetics right there on display. It comes as no surprise that many people put painstaking effort into these rooms and spaces, taking many of the preceding tools of the trade into consideration before embarking on their bibliomaniacal voyage.