What books should I keep in my home library?
I’m moving to a new apartment and have boxed about 10 boxes (20” cubed, each) with books I have accumulated through the years. Many are reference books, which I will keep. Is there anyway to logically determine among the rest those that should not come along? I would buy the needed bookcase once I know how many I will keep, and donate the unwanted ones to my local not-for-profit thrift shop.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
13 Answers
Keep the ones that mean the most to you.
There’s an organizing mantra that goes something like “Do you need it? Do you love it? Does it make you money?” Apply those (kinds of) questions to each book.
Books that you might flip through a second time, books whose spines might make you happy to see them on a shelf.
Books that make you seem smart.
Books that are one-of-a-kind, like your checkbook, your little Black Book, your book of family photos…
August 31, 2008, 11:34 AM EDT
You can always give books away (just leave them in a box on curb with a sign) but you can never get them back.
Save too many now and after you have settled in, (moving itself is so stressful) you can weed.
You are the only one who knows what books you love.
Regarding reference books:
Books sitting on a shelf that go unused have no value. As long as you use the book or feel that you might reasonably use the book in the future, keep it…
Tecnical books might be outdated. Consider discarding books that contain info that is easily obtainable online.
Every couple of years, I weed out my books-for-pleasure shelves. I keep books I know I will read again; books I may read again, after enough time has passed; books received as gifts, especially those with inscriptions inside; and books that are part of a series or by a favorite author (ie: all Stepen King stays).
Keep the ones you refer to. Keep the ones you might read again. Keep the rare editions.
You guys and gals are a great sounding board. Thank you all =)
Keep them all! Put in floor-to-ceiling shelves.
Don’t forget to message me your unwanted books! ;-)
Keep the inscribed ones (as someone already mentioned). Then ask: Does this inspire me or make me happy? Is this a rare book or can I replace it? Is this a subject I no longer am interested in? And….a hint from a friend….bin the fiction. Most fiction (unless it is an obscure author…for example, I collect books from small publishing houses) can be purchased again if you decide you want a re-read later. Best wishes!
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
