Cultivating a Personal Library

I talk about how I cultivate my library from the type of books I collect to my bookish interests. Do you have a personal library? What type of books do you read and collect?
Let’s be friends!
Instagram: / cravingbooks_

[@CravingBooks27]

I didn't show all of our shelves but I showed the shelves that are the "prettiest" right now. Do you all collect books? Why or why not? OMG SO sorry at 16:16 the music goes WAY up. Sorry friends!

[@jordandegeling1711]

How to start a book collection: Step 1; buy a book that interests you Step 2; complete reading it. (Finish reading it before buying a new one!) Step 3; give the book a kiss, and put it on the shelf for later visits. Step 4; repeat.

[@CravingBooks27]

How did I miss this comment?! Yes, give the book a kiss!

[@andrejalbrecht]

Sometimes you use a book as a reference. Sometimes you look just for the gold nuggets inside a book. I haven't read every single page of all of my books and it's okey.

[@CravingBooks27]

@@andrejalbrecht great points, Andrej.

[@HongFeiBai]

I have 300-500 paperbacks and 150+ ebooks. Sometimes I buy books in advance so I can read them whenever I want.

[@cboy-ou2hr]

@Hong Fei Bai I do the same especially since I don't have access to a library or bookstore in my area so I take the library to me

[@johnbaker6572]

I can't imagine a life without books.

[@SabrinaHawk]

This is my kink 😂 lol, I’ve been dreaming of own personal library since beauty and the beast came out when I was a lil girl

[@CravingBooks27]

That is the ultimate goal!

[@dreadcthulhu5]

I totally wanted that library as well, but then I also wanted the one in the game Catlevania: Symphony of the Night. It was HUGE. Preferably without the killer books and monsters though.

[@SabrinaHawk]

@@dreadcthulhu5 I have a decent size book nook with nearly 2k books but phew a whole room floor to ceiling books what a dream that would be. I need to re watch castlevaniaits been years

[@dreadcthulhu5]

@@SabrinaHawk I've been collecting any book that interests me my whole life so I get where you're coming from.

[@jeshasandig5066]

Don't have a personal library yet but I hope to have one when I can

[@andrejalbrecht]

Dear book lovers. After I stumbled over this channel I know I am not alone collecting books. Love you all.

[@ForeverMasterless]

There's something so refreshing when you're looking at someone's books and you can tell they're not just ONE thing, ya know what I mean? Like women who ONLY have romance books and/or YA, or dudes who ONLY have Hemingway and war novels. They just don't feel like real, full people, like they've typecast themselves in their own lives. idk how to talk to someone like that really, lol. Seeing, for instance, House of Leaves on the same shelf as Jurassic Park is, imo, the mark of a true intellectual rather than a pseudo intellectual. The mainstream and lowbrow with the very much niche and difficult to grasp, showing the person is following their interests wherever they go and isn't putting on a show for anyone but also isn't stuck in a comfort zone of mindless popcorn entertainment, either. What I'l say about the classics, is that everybody should at least give them a shot. Just go through and commit to reading like the first fifteen or twenty pages and if you're not feeling it, move on to the next one. Cause I had a couple bad experiences early on and assumed every book labeled a "classic," would be just as bad/boring and stayed far away from them for YEARS, but that's just not the case. Some hold up, some don't. Some you'll like, some you won't. Like any book, really. I fucking hate everything I've read by dickens, jack london, and Steinbeck, but love kafka, dostoevsky, jane austen, and proust.

[@CravingBooks27]

Hi ForeverMasterless, thank you so much for your comment. I apologize for not replying sooner. I really have to thank you again -- I love all types of books from different experiences, cultures, and genres. I wouldn't be able to say I like one type of book or one type of genre. Lowbrow is fantastic and so is highbrow -- having them on my shelves might be confusing for some but I guess I am a mood reader! I must agree on your stance with classics. Give them a shot before you completely discard them. :)

[@miguelsanabria5190]

You don't have a library in your house, you have a house in your library

[@CravingBooks27]

That's the ultimate dream!

[@uyt6uyt5]

I collect several types of books. Some of my collection of 2,000 plus books consists of books from the golden age of book illustrators (Arthur Rackham, Edmond Dulac, Kay Nielsen, etc.), Limited Editions Club, 17th and 18th century books (some over 400 years old), current, antique and vintage pop-up and moveable books (oldest from the 1800's).

[@CravingBooks27]

I love hearing about other book collections. I am sure they are gorgeous books. You're very lucky to have antique books.

[@MagicianMarcus]

Can’t go wrong with Dostoevsky. “The Brothers Karamazov” is still one of the best novels ever written.

[@CravingBooks27]

Absolutely. I love Dostoevsky's work.

[@slatham8616]

That's an amazing yet daunting one. I still haven't finished it. Had difficulty with the multiple names per character!

[@gandalfthegrey7146]

My parents must have around 8000 books. Boxes in the shed (it’s a house quality shed, not a plastic one), a bunch of boxes in an office, and a bunch in a storage room. They they have 3 book shelves in their room, two in another, and two in another. They do have a library but it’s one wall with an extra unit on the side. I’m still trying to convince them to take the shelf up to the 10ft ceiling and totally fill the rest of the walls besides the window wall. Just totally fill the library with their packed away books....they haven’t gotten around to it.

[@rkds9147]

U r so calm ..that explains whats the effect of having this hobby of reading books..love ya .. continue reading

[@ryanarment5393]

Each bedroom in my house has book shelves. My daughters and i are avid readers. I've taught them that books are to a mind like a sharpener is to a knife.

[@CravingBooks27]

That is beautiful.

[@ryanarment5393]

@@CravingBooks27 thank you. It is the truth though. Sharpeners scrape away the dullness and focus the edge. Books scrape away the dullness in our minds, and focus our creativity and ability to absorb new ideas.

[@Jm-zr1lp]

your voice is so calm and slow and easy to listen to. like i could listen to you speak for hours ☺️

[@CravingBooks27]

Wow, that is so lovely. Thank you.

[@Wolfhailstorm]

Excellent conversation Hanaa! I'll have the check out that Gutenberg online library

[@tonyleach3061]

Love the vast array of various books and love the beautiful kitty. Cats and Books are in my opinion totally essential for true happiness in life. Both my cats Poppy and Tilly would most certainly agree. Much Love.

[@yvonnefluckiger1501]

I absolutely agree.

[@edgarmenezes8957]

So nice, only difference in my case it is dogs and books!!

[@rilum97]

Hello again! Welcome back! Peace

[@dereksamueldani7336]

Impressive. Enviable collection , dear.

[@PB-fi1qh]

I want to have a library like this one day! Right now it's just me and my Kindle.

[@marcusulpiustraianus6096]

Very good video. You are right collecting books is not everyone, you have to have passion for them. In my case I have a home library of more than 1450 books, mainly about History. If we talk about literature in general I mainly have classics of Greece and Rome and in the other hand, Historical Fiction.

[@CravingBooks27]

Your personal library sounds fascinating!

[@marcusulpiustraianus6096]

@@CravingBooks27 Thanks! Yes, is very interesting, especially for someone that loves History!

[@orglancs]

Whether you want to keep a book or dump it depends very much on whether you are mainly a fiction or non-fiction reader. I read almost entirely non-fiction and my library supports my research and writing. So I am perpetually going back to books I read ages ago to check a reference or to re-read something. Only last week I opened a book I read ages ago to check something and found myself re-reading the whole book. Also lots of my books are reference works that no-one would read from cover to cover, but I still consult them frequently and it's a marvelous freedom to know they are there ready to 'do service' for me whenever I need them. Opening some well-used volumes is like opening a diary and reading about my own past. The books are so connected with my own history and work. I wish there were more non-fiction readers on BookTube. I'd love a detailed tour of a big non-fiction collection.

[@ladi-da8053]

Really love your library 😍😍😍😍

[@CravingBooks27]

Thanks!

[@andrefelipe2643]

Nice library, I wish I had one like that 😅

[@waqassagheer9763]

Beautiful collection

[@matthewludovici1072]

I work in a used book store and I'm starting to reach complications with how to make room. We get great stuff like old Harvard editions and the like. Or just old were scifi and horror.

[@CravingBooks27]

I have several Harvard Editions -- they are beautiful. When I worked at a used book store, without fail, I would come home with at least 20 books after each shift. It was a goldmine.

[@devernikki]

Wow, your library is amazing.

[@johannesjoseph823]

I just discovered your channel. I love it uwu

[@brandimullins3627]

Love this video! Would love more! Also would love to know more of your story!

[@CravingBooks27]

Thank you, Brandi :)

[@sefwright6286]

I enjoyed your video very much. I also love books and have a very eclectic set of interests when it comes to this subject. As I watched the close ups of your book shelves I found several that caught my eye that would fit into my own collection. I have located these through eBay and will be purchasing in the near future

[@CravingBooks27]

That's wonderful to hear. Happy that my video helped expand your personal library

[@andrejalbrecht]

I love books! 😃

[@kawaiisenshi2401]

Same on the many many interest and a love of learning 😍

[@CravingBooks27]

Absolutely! I love being surrounded by endless knowledge :)

[@mauradias2862]

I am also cultivating a library of true and modern classics to leave for my kids...even if it's not my type of book ... They might stumble over something they like.

[@CravingBooks27]

That's lovely and so thoughtful.

[@tonyleach3061]

Yes I always consider books to be my children and treasure them enormously Cats I adore and they are my children to of course!!

[@BunsBooks]

1:21 that Marquis de Sade collection though I see so many books on your shelves that I absolutely adore, it’s always lovely coming across someone with a similar reading taste as oneself. Especially a fellow auburn haired pagan??

[@CravingBooks27]

Yes! My ever-growing collection of de Sade... adore him. I feel the same -- I love happening upon someone's shelves who have similar tastes, and that seems right! Pretty rare to find another auburn-haired pagan ;)

[@MyLifeSoFar]

My library is nearing the 1,000 mark and split between a bookshelf in my bedroom and totes in my storage shed as I'm saving up to buy my own house. I mostly own a lot of young adult books but I am starting to expand and collect more and more classics. I never really appreciated them when I was in school and college but I'm starting to really get into classic literature and poetry. I don't watch booktube very much but when I do it's only to catch up on new releases and not so much on reviews. I'm pretty picky about the books I like. I don't trust other's opinions on books ever since I read The Fault In Our Stars based on reviews and I hated it.

[@CravingBooks27]

I think revisiting classics later when there isn't an assignment attached is a better experience. Hopefully you can buy a gorgeous house with lots of space for your books. My dream is to have a Victorian house with a 3-storey library! Hah! A girl can dream.

[@jessehudson7036]

on an interesting note, I see you have the complete set of Sade. I'm nearing in on 4K+ books so I love this video!

[@CravingBooks27]

4k books? I've slowed down considerably, so I'm not sure if I'll get to 4k any time soon. I bet you have a beautiful library! For de Sade, I don't have the complete collection yet. There's a few stories that are missing from the collections I have 😞

[@SunriseFireberry]

I cultivate by accumulation. Whatever happens happens. Mostly I have bookish interest books.

[@matthewludovici1072]

Oh wow, missed the Georges Bataille.

[@DumbBeat]

My own personal library is being oppressed by limited space and living areangements and possibility of immigrating. I have books in three different places. Reference Books in one or two shelves in a cupboard; books ive read and wont read; and lastly a very cramped bedside table with two shelves for books Im supposed to be focused on getting through. Untill Ive made progress with my bedside shelves Im not allowing myself any new ones for immediate reading but only cheap classics and finds for future reference. I recently found a few at second hand clear out and they didnt have card facilities so for a coffee from starbucks I got Fanny Hill, Paul Bowles collected stories, and Gore Vidal’s Myra Breckinridge. Its very hard to resist books you pass at a clear out if they are something offbeat and something that can be used. Ive only recently in last few years expanded reading material outside of the classics. I always feel like I dont read enough and that Im never making a dent in this struggle to catch up with literature.

[@CravingBooks27]

I definitely feel your last sentiment. With my growing library, I can't catch up and probably never will.

[@1SonOfMoon1]

I’m 24 and my library is small mainly due to limited space (apartment life). It consists of two bookcases, but I have filled these with quality bound editions of books that mean the most to me and classics as well. I have folios and leatherbounds which I plan to move into my permanent residence someday, at which point I know my library will grow, hopefully as impressive and large as yours.

[@CravingBooks27]

That sounds so dreamy though. I would love to have more beautifully bound books in my collection, but perhaps sometime in the future. How many books do you currently have in your collection? I can't wait to hear how your collection will grow & grow in the future :)

[@TC2642]

Great library and discussion, subscribed.

[@CravingBooks27]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@chrismd00]

Is that the pendant of Galadriel? silver? Gorgeous!

[@CravingBooks27]

It is the Evenstar :) Thanks!

[@StrippedCoverLitMedia]

Its funny that you say that about recs. There are certain people where, if they rec a book or I know they enjoy it? I know to stay away.

[@CravingBooks27]

Exactly! I have learned from experience that if I don't have much in common with someone or I generally don't like them, I won't be taking their recommendations.

[@slatham8616]

I have a copy of Theodore Roosevelt's "The Rough Riders" from 1903.

[@dimitrilaureys8580]

"I definitely feel like I'm a part of that group where books mean the world to me" +1

[@SaikulHassan]

😍😍😍

[@davidsigler9690]

Excellent books......

[@CravingBooks27]

Thanks, David.

[@davidsigler9690]

@@CravingBooks27 You're welcome......

[@markeechannel8822]

Oh it's a kind of you. I am looking for someone who loves to donate books. I am collecting books And building public library. very soon for those students in a farplung area that cannot afford to have them but love to read books😘

[@oggyreidmore]

If you figure on reading 100 books a year (about two a week, with some breaks thrown in) and you begin at age 10 and live an average American lifespan of 80 years - that means 7,000 books is a lifetime supply. My personal library is about half that...

[@CravingBooks27]

The fun is that life is so absurd, why not have a huge library? I know with the books I have I probably won't get around to reading all of them, but I don't have a sense of urgency. Plus, if we make it through 2020, there might be a chance to be cyborgs later, and have more time to read. :p

[@samrowbotham8914]

My library is eclectic and unique to me.

[@katarinasvensson9801]

Hi I love your book shelfs and book cases where did you get them

[@CravingBooks27]

Hi Katarina! Thank you so much. If you are referring to the brown shelves, my husband and I made them. :)

[@katarinasvensson9801]

@@CravingBooks27 yes I did and thanks for answering me I love them

[@zoedumaine8000]

Where were you able to find those beautiful leather bound books?

[@CravingBooks27]

Hi Zoe, are you referring to the colorful ones? I found them from a few different places: used books stores and book sales. They are from the Franklin Library. They are a gorgeous addition!

[@zoedumaine8000]

CravingBooks thank you so much!!! By any chance do you know of the Harvard Classics 51-volume anthology? I’ve been trying to find where I can buy it but I can’t find any answers.

[@CravingBooks27]

@@zoedumaine8000 Hi again, Zoe! I have a few of the Harvard Classics on my shelf. I also found them during used book shopping. However, if you would like to collect them, I often use abe books for harder-to-find books. I did a quick search there and found a number of the Harvard classics going for $3 Canadian. Hope this is of some help!

[@alpertroncp2198]

I'm studying English Literature at university. My shelf has become 80% classics, and 20% my own likes. As soon as my MA is done I'll be culling the shelves. Dickens? Keep. Heart of Darkness? DEFINITELY keep. George Eliot? That can go...

[@vigorelliinstitute879]

Richard you have too many books. Me: fahrenheit 451.

[@paulinetaylor4211]

I wonder how many. Bookworms avid readers are in uk or and Scotland?

[@-tadoosu-2913]

I Only have a Kindle with all books in my bag

[@CravingBooks27]

An eReader is incredibly helpful and convenient :)

[@Imsaved777]

Where is the library? I didn’t see it.

[@THEjungleKING9]

wow you are beautiful.. you got me in 1 second

[@morningstar8187]

I currently live in a French-speaking country, so I have to buy my English books online and pay a hefty premium for the privilege of reading in English. 😔 I managed to get some good deals on used books online, but shipping costs money, and in the end, unless the retail cost of the book is high and the seller is willing to sell for very cheap, I end up paying almost as much as I would for a retail copy. Usually about 3/4 to 4/5 of the retail price. The only brick and mortar bookstore that caters to English speakers doesn’t offer much beyond popular classics, mainstream bestsellers, YA, and tourist guides. Building a personal library is impossible for me right now. I’m forced to buy ebooks, though they hurt me eyes. It sucks big time.

[@CravingBooks27]

Oh no! I don't know if you've used Book Depository but they have free shipping worldwide. I hope that eventually you can build your library the way you want

[@Mia-tz9le]

At what age did you start building up your library? I’m in 9th grade but I feel like it’s too late for me to start one.

[@CravingBooks27]

Oh my gosh, 9th grade? You have so much time to build your library and do so, so much more. I was 16 when I began working at a bookstore and started accumulating books, but I didn't begin collecting books until probably 2013. Why do you think it's too late for you?

[@Mia-tz9le]

CravingBooks well I thought it was too late for me because in my mind I saw the time when I graduate high school as the end . Once I graduate high school I might have to leave the little books I would have started collecting at my parents house for college and after college well... I can’t think beyond that to be honest.

[@Mia-tz9le]

CravingBooks well I thought it was too late for me because in my mind I saw the time when I graduate high school as the end . Once I graduate high school I might have to leave the little books I would have started collecting at my parents house for college and after college well... I can’t think beyond that to be honest.

[@CravingBooks27]

@@Mia-tz9le I understand your point of view. When I was a teen, I couldn't fathom being in my 20s. It seemed very foreign and unlikely. However, there are so many people who won't even start their collection until they're in their 30s or beyond. I think slowly accumulating books over time works just as well. I'm sure your parents won't mind you leaving your books at home while you are off at college. Plus, during college you'll be collecting books. I wouldn't worry too much about it, to be honest.

[@Mia-tz9le]

CravingBooks You’re right and I appreciate your advice! Thank you for taking the time out of your life to respond to my comment!

[@dsmoons]

Like for Dostoevsky

[@joshuacarroll1758]

Everyone please give me some amazing classic Sifi and fantasy book titles

[@joshuacarroll1758]

@Tessellating Tiger thanks

[@eg4848]

Step 1: get a house...

[@CravingBooks27]

Not necessarily! Just a little bit of space you can carve out for a library is all you need!

[@angelawho9083]

I’m selling. #LoadsOfOldBooks

[@abdomahfouad4699]

How did you managed to read even a quarter of Those books ?! Well Or you must be doing nothing except reading all day long from the age 1 until now 😂

[@CravingBooks27]

Hah! I do a lot but I try to find time each day to read. If you break it down to manageable chunks and read 4 books per month, you can read about 50 books per year.