help me organize my library | full library tour 🤩

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Much Love
Britt ☮

[@elizabethlin_9879]

I would absolutely make that little closet into a cozy reading nook, a space where you can just curl up and hide lol. String lights, art, a cozy chair, maybe a tiny mini fridge? It would be so cute!

[@silviashappyplace8831]

That's what I thought 😅 I would get a big matress on the floor with lots of pillows, fairylights etc.

[@elizabethlin_9879]

@@silviashappyplace8831yes and then I would simply never leave 🤣

[@meganmaryjo]

I came here to say the same!, maybe built in seat in the closet with shelves above for more books

[@xamandalaurenx]

The shelf by the art wall would look good out in your living room! And then you could get a wider bookshelf that sits like right under that last Mia frame. Hanging plant would look so cute! Esp a like boho macrame type!

[@shannondoahhhh]

I would say invest in some curtains (aesthetically pleasing of course) or some sort of UV protection for each of the windows, I'm sure there's something you can do to the windows themselves without having to replace windows. Curtains easiest thing to do of course, and just open them when you want to film or enjoy the light 💃🏻 Mus protec the collec

[@duffy3542]

Anytime I saw your library I worried about the sun because I once kept some books on a windowsill and found out the same the hard way ! But its such a beautiful room!

[@silviashappyplace8831]

Love your library 🥰 For the closet I have a few ideas. 1. Make a cozy reading nook with a big matrass, lots of pillows and fairylights. 2. Put a desk there and make it a home office. 3. Secret bookcase door that leads to a cozy reading nook ✨

[@joshuamarimpietri7708]

My first step when reorganizing is brutally going through my books to see if I can get rid of any. I like only having books I really enjoyed on my shelves! But it's so valid if you end up wanting to keep everything.😂 I think you just need to set up as much shelving as you can in the closet. You can paint it a really cool color and make it a near little alcove. Then maybe it can be a genre or color specific book area! And then that would free up some space on your main shelves so you can spread the rest of your books out.

[@woodlandbunny]

Your library is honestly just the loveliest place!! 🥰 adore the art of the walls too

[@Dasha-pv1xk]

Have you thought about adding a shelf in the closet??? it's quite a lot of space that could be used as extra book storage? also you've said you don't care about a few books anymore so maybe a little unhaul?? I do agree that having furniture in the room isa bit too much given the space you are working with. the little bookshelf with your romance/JLA is cute!! I reckon leave it there as I showcases certain books and has your bookmarks etc :)

[@dragonrambles]

I would do built-in shelves in the closet, but not across the bag, instead on the sides where your carts are. You could get a nice wicker basket or two to put on one of the shelves to store those sleeves and the rest of the shelves to put books. Either special books that you want to protect from the sun (so your closet can be like a precious book vault) or you can put books that you don’t want to see as much. The small brown shelving I would move to another room and instead I’d get a half height bookshelf that takes the full width. It looks like you have space to add that depth. I’d also get rid of books that were hated. So your library is full of positive memories of reading books plus possibilities of books yet to be read.

[@evelientx]

omg i love this!!! gonna binge your vids now

[@xjulezxo]

Ohhh what if you make that closet either. A reading nook to cozy up in. A built-in seat and some fairy lights, cozy blankets, and pillows. Doubles as a cozy spot for the cats. Or 2. A new shelf area which could be a TBR. As I'm watching further you seem to have either done or have had those ideas.

[@thebackpackingbookwyrm]

Weed the books you hated, stack the books like you said on top (focus on sections you don't add to much anymore). Its pretty clear you need room for adult fantasy, scifi and literary fiction so focus on making space for those. If you dont want the shelves to look empty, face more books outward to fill the space without actually filling it up. Good luck!

[@cah384]

I would build more shelving/ book storage into that closet! You could fit so many books in there.

[@kyra8138]

Step one is to definitely unhaul some books that you said you hated and if you can think of any old YA you don’t want anymore or books you don’t think you’ll ever read in this lifetime. Step two would be to potentially double stack books in behind certain shelves that you don’t necessarily want or need on display. Shuffle some of those big chunky fantasy books around that don’t fit on that middle shelf together. Step three would be to find some blinds or sheer curtains to protect some of those books from more sun damage as you’re probably just going to ruin more books on your bookshelf including the ones you add to the closet (depending on sunlight patterns in the room). The last step would be to narrow it down to one book cart and get rid of that shelf you don’t like and maybe put a little shelf attached to the wall or floating bookshelves. I definitely think you should do wrap around bookshelves in your closet for future space for books. Keep in mind these are suggestions. You don’t have to take any if you don’t want to.

[@kyra8138]

Vertical stacking some of those fantasy books (like Throne of Glass series) on that middle shelf too.

[@tabitaaitonean9766]

Hello, I’m a library organizer (self-appointed) and your library is amazing. I think I would pay you to organize them😂 I reorganize/readjust mine so often. Also I can just picture a cozy shezlong/chaise lounge (idk the proper name) in the middle of the library

[@jonathonholm8737]

I have missed your content so much I'm glad you are back!

[@noelanikaanana]

Move some of your favorites to another room, like an office, so they are showcased by themselves. I also liked the idea you shared about shelves in the closet. That may be the perfect spot to move the books you don't think about as much to. Regardless, your library is still so stunning.

[@shelfindulgencedes]

I’m not sure if anyone suggested this but the closet could be a cozy reading spot? Like add a lamp and a comfy chair or bean bag or something? It’s my dream to have a small reading corner so that’s what I see in your space lol. And then it doesn’t take up floor space in the main library area.

[@NeonFrills]

I would 1) maybe do an unhaul of more of the books you really don't like. just to make room for all the books you do! and 2) possibly you can move the heights of the shelves around so there's less negative space on top between the books and the shelf above, if that makes sense? like put all the mass market paperbacks on one shelf, another height on another, and make the shelves themselves as narrow as possible so you can have more standing upright.

[@Shellesspace]

Your library is gorgeous! I’m jealous of all your windows!!! Those palm plants are known for getting spider mites. A monstera would do great in a south-western window (I’m assuming because the sun bleached your book 😭) A reading nook with a bench might work in that closet.

[@samdor935]

I would love to see an unhaul! No point in keeping books you hated!!

[@joshuamarimpietri7708]

Sun damage is the worst! I have all my tbr books in the sunny area of my shelves, so that I'm motivated to read them and rescue them from sun damage.😂

[@whitneydupuis5542]

You could exchange the tall book shelf you don’t love for a short half bookshelf that matches your others? It would give you space for your extra book, but wouldn’t take away from your art.

[@katherinemorrison580]

I would definitely move that tall skinny wooden shelf into another room. I like adding some sort of shelving in the closet! Also, not sure if it's feasible based on measurements but it definitely seems like there is a lot of extra room where you have books stacked sideways. Is it possible to shorten the height of shelves to add an additional in some places?

[@katherinemorrison580]

Oh, I'd also get a drawer system for the closet instead of a cart. It could hide the clutter you don't like.

[@Rachaelizabethayden1]

Library is still gorgeous and goals. I think the little book shelf might look nice in the living room. PS I just listened to Last Take if the Flower Bride on your recommendation and omg I loved loved loved it. One of my favorites of the year so thanks for that!

[@daad8264]

Gorgeous library regardless of everything! ❤ I did think the moment I saw all the glorious sun and all the book 'ooof, the sun damage will be brutal'. That said, this is the most welcoming, spirit-lifting library I've seen. I adore the sunniness (and the scenery!!!). But how you can protect the books while also displaying them I don't know 😢 By the way it's your fault I got all the Dandelion Dynasty audio books in one go 😂 I'm so excited to start. If it's as amazing as I expect it'll be, I'll buy them physically as well

[@esmayrosalyne]

Honestly, Britt, could be a lot worse!! Your library looks so beautiful, even with all the messy sideways shelved books. Just adds life and character, if you ask me ;) Def a good option to stack the books on top though, that would free up some good space!! And I feel you on the sun bleached books, all my red ones have gone completely white in the sun as well lol. Big sad 🥲 Whatever you end up doing, I hope you will feel satisfied and happy with your safe space in the end 🥰

[@christinam6516]

Awesome library Brit! Personally, I wouldn't change anything except replace the moveable TBR shelves (where your Ken Liu books are) by a reading chair. I would absolutely love to read in a room like this surrounded by all my books! Love all the art and the windows, you have great taste 💜

[@valw3774]

I personally don't think there's anything wrong with double stacking shelves. If it fits, I put books I enjoyed less behind my favorites.

[@EhsJaySaunders]

Yep, I can't keep books where they'll get much sunlight for worry that they'll get faded. That and cracked spines are the most depressing things for me to see on my shelf. Kind of going against that, though, if the TBR shelves were over by the windows and the closet was set up as a shrine to a specific genre? Shelves to either side and a portrait-style mural of lit-fic, fantasy, or sci-fi on the wall where the mirror is now? Honestly, you are pretty organized already, but space is seeming more the issue?

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

The books you aren’t passionate about, put them in the closet on shelves? I want to come over and organize your books lol

[@courtneyclarke654]

Did you ever finish your downstairs gym? I would be interested in a tour of that 😊

[@dpbreviews1513]

Great collection! Out of interest - why do you have two Samantha Shannon books between Dune graphic novel and the other editions of Dune? Also have you tried putting your other editions of Dune that are on the high top shelf with your other editions? Would it help to remove the books you don’t like to free up space?

[@dpbreviews1513]

P.S - I wouldn’t worry about books going sideways if they fit, straight and in the same genre etc.

[@elizabethlin_9879]

Get rid of the books you hated. I think that’s an important step. They don’t need to be taking up space on your beautiful shelves if you hated reading them. Like you didn’t like Wheel of Time, why does it have a whole shelf lol

[@darkestbelle_]

I would definitely utilize the closet as an extension to your existing shelves and put the books that you never grab or want to reread in there which then allows you to organize the books you do want to display easier and yes unfortunately sun exposure washes out books over time the more sun the more the books weather

[@polly2900]

First I would unhaul anything you don't want and then start reorganize.

[@chemvanderest-randolph7901]

Unfortunately your books will fade with the amount of sunlight you have in that room. Most libraries are quite dark for that exact reason. When you were originally building and organizing your library you had mentioned turning the closet into a small office. Why did you change your mind? Personally I would make that a small reading nook for myself AND the cats with some shelves higher up perhaps.

[@BookswithBrittany]

I know, it’s sad :(

[@staceyb.5878]

I'd make the closet my manga/ graphic novel space

[@BookswithBrittany]

Hmmm maybe I’ll take that advice!

[@tash94]

What if you put the shelf you aren't liking where the mirror is, and put the mirror where the shelf was??

[@BookswithBrittany]

Definitely a work in process!

[@DukeusMostchillius]

one thing that really annoys me about my space and shelves is the amount of space above each shelf. I really want to build new shelves that that leave less than an inch above. I cant stand the sight of horizontal books crammed haphazardly onto the tops of well displayed and well collected collections. This last year saw me hitting the thrift stores after every paycheck, I got to the point that books dont even end up on the shelf anymore they just come home and go straight into packing boxes.. I have literally over 1000lbs of books boxed in the garage. cant wait for the day that i get my new library shelving built so i can unpack and display

[@Lou45833]

Sounds like you need build a bigger library 10x bigger

[@Nborg286]

girl get some nice shades or curtains, your books fading really stressed me out. lol

[@stacymartinez3178]

Good morning dear friend

[@polly2900]

Why are you keeping things you hate?