Home as library

This Thursdsay the Home section got hip to home libraries. But a couple of designers in WeHo have got nothing on book lovers, who've been sharing their libraries on the Web for ages. The photo above -- of Kristina's library, with a notable books-to-TV ratio -- was posted on Your Shelves, a Norwegian blog that showcases photos of home libraries from around the world. She writes:

I have always been interested in libraries, big and small. Since most of my readers have a passion for books, I am wondering what your library looks like. It does not have to be a proper library, like you see in fancy houses. It could be just a space in a room that is dedicated to your book collection. No matter how big or small: I would love to see it!

Kim, the woman behind Your Shelves, is not the only one who wants to peer at other people's books. There are hundreds of Flickr groups dedicated to book photos. My favorite pairing is the bookshelf project ("created so you could browse through the titles on other people's shelves") and piles of books ("Shelved books may be included in the photo, but we have to see some piled, i.e. more-or-less horizontal books").

But books go every place. Apartment Therapy recently showcased what may be the best book-lined staircase ever. The architect wasn't just concerned with storage; he also had reading in mind: "With a skylight above lighting the staircase, it becomes the perfect place to stop and browse a tome."

Browsing your own books, whether on a staircase or in a room lined with shelves, may make the home library feel kind of official. You might find you want some real library supplies -- a steel book cart, labeling devices -- and the place to go would be Gaylord Bros., which serves real libraries but will sell to anyone. They've even got library kick stools -- in a dozen colors! Orange zest, oh my.

Carolyn Kellogg