Once upon a time (in a not-so-distant, selfie-obsessed past), the good folks at the New York Public Library launched Library Shelfie Day, an annual occasion to share portraits of personal—and, often, creatively arranged—book collections. Reading is such a personal experience for so many of us, informed by our individuality, our life experiences, even our schedules, that it’s no surprise our bookshelves can offer a revealing window into our literary souls…or, at least, a peek into our book-organization methods!
Recently, in anticipation of Library Shelfie Day, Bas Bleu’s editors asked our Facebook followers to send us their “shelfies.” Several of you were game to give us a peek into your private collections and nice enough to let us share the photos here. (We’ve added a few of our own for good measure.) But no matter how you arrange the books on your shelves—maybe they share space with your other, non-book loves, or maybe you don’t use shelves at all!—we celebrate all of the kindred spirits whose books are slowly taking over your homes!
Mystery fan Denise M. reports these are “just some” of her bookshelves…
“I keep our Book a Month 2019 selections close at hand in my office, along with a collection of Jane Austen’s works, an unidentified plant given to me by a friend when she moved, and an adorable plush bunny.” –Katherine, Bas Bleu social media director
“JANE EYRE has always been one of my favorites and I have a nice, on-going ‘Eyre’ collection. I’ve added the old-fashioned china doll because she seems so fitting…” –Sally T.
For those who also love the “Be nice or leave” plaque on Pat W’s bookcase, Pat reports you can order your own from an artist known online as “Simon of New Orleans.”
“I’m so glad I brought these two bookshelves in our downsizing move. I was afraid they were too big for the small room we now call our ‘den.’ But they look just perfect and bring a cozy feel to the room, which we love.” –Janice S.
Yes, this IS a shelfie…of just a few of the Bas Bleu books, note cards, and mugs in our Ohio warehouse, all waiting to be packed and mailed to our readers! (Photo courtesy of our intrepid warehouse manager, Joey S., who oversees and organizes towering shelves of books!)
“Mine is a makeshift bookshelf as my built-in bookshelves aren’t in yet!” –Lisa H.
Jennifer B’s books-on-books-on-books shelfie is “topped” with colorful bird feeders…and two familiar-looking Reading Gargoyle Bookends!
“I have mini libraries like this all over the house. This is the top shelf of my computer desk.” –Patricia P.
For one of our editors, her home shelves filled up long ago, forcing her to stack books in every corner–including by the bar cart–where they are popular “foundations” for spiderwebs.
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One year when my daughter came home from college, she commanded me to “go buy some book cases!” The bookcases I already had (5) were quardruple-parked, and the remainder of my books were piled so high on the stereo speakers that they threatened to fall over and hurt someone. So we went to the unfinished furniture store and bought two bookcases. Then we went back and bought one more. Even after giving 4 huge shopping bags of books to charity, there was JUST enough room to spread out my collection. Unfortunately, that was a few years ago. Somehow the books seem to be proliferating again. Oh well…
Isn’t it amazing how those books multiply? We moved into our offices almost two years ago and have definitely had to add bookcases since then…