Creating a Personal Library, What Does it Entail?
How do you create a home library? And how do you decide which books to include?
I have always loved to read. And I have gone through phases where all I read was one genre. But today, I would like to think that my reading is more diverse and deeper.
I have read many books that were entertaining, but not keepers, so I would get rid of them. I was never intentional about creating a personal library. And to be honest, I did not even think about it.
Creating a Personal Library: My Journey
In the summer of 2007, Harriet Rubin wrote C.E.O. Libraries Reveal Keys to Success, an article for the New York Times. This made me start thinking more about personal libraries and their importance. Many people keep the information about their personal libraries a secret. Because when you think about it, the books you consume help to shape your mind and your thinking.
I have paid very close attention to the kinds of books in personal libraries after I started working on the series on the personal libraries of successful people. And as I have mentioned before, what I have observed is that most successful and accomplished people read broadly and deeply.
Have you read?
45 Must Have Books for a Home Library
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CS Lewis Personal Library – The Shaping of a Mind
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Emily Dickinson Personal Library
Katharine Hepburn Personal Library
Frederick Douglass Personal Library
The Personal Library of George Washington
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Why read, what to read, and Teddy Roosevelt
Creating a Personal Library: How I Discover Books
I have discovered some excellent books purely by accident. Years ago when Quality Paperback Book Club was in Canada, I joined. And for a long time, if you did not decline the month’s book choice, you automatically received the book. Often I was so busy that I forgot to decline the book for the month. Since I had to pay for it, I decided to read it. Many times I would be pleasantly surprised. I have also discovered great books because authors who I liked referred or recommended them in their books.
Today, if I were just starting a personal library, I would approach things differently and be more strategic about it. From perusing the books in the personal libraries of successful people, I have noticed that the books reflect their personalities and interests. And they had varied interests. Their libraries included titles that enabled them to become better at their craft. And they often had several hobbies and areas of interest. To start the process of creating a personal library, ask yourself the following questions.
Questions to Ask When Creating a Personal Library
- What are the best books that will enable you to grow and become more skilled in your professional life? That is, what books will allow you to become more valuable to yourself and your employer?
- What are your hobbies?
- What would you love to learn or know more about?
- What things have always fascinated or entertained you? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Participating in a Reading Challenge and Other Ways to Discover Books
When I pursued the Virtual Literary World Tour and my informal liberal arts education, I have become very intentional about the books that I read. And I discovered value in reading some of the classics. Going through lists of must-read books, have proven to be a gold mine for me. I recommend that you include some of these timeless classics in your personal library.
Another important thing is to read from various disciplines. This act allows you to be more creative when you are able to blend disciplines. If you are unsure of which books to choose to become better skilled at your craft, or other books to include in your personal library, talk to librarians. Other people to talk to are your boss, friends and colleagues, asking them for book recommendations. Additionally, browse that section in libraries and bookstores to see which titles jump out at you and start making a list.
Where to Find Books When Creating a Personal Library
Although I think that it is important for you to find the right place to house your personal library, I think that it is more important to select the books for your library. Creating a personal library does not have to be an expensive undertaking. You buy books when they are on sale or visit used bookstores to find deals.
Public libraries often have book sales where you can get books inexpensively. And start with purchasing only three books in each area of interest. It's good to support the personal library system because the funds they get from selling books can help them to offer more services to the public. Churches also have book sales. I've bought some excellent books in great condition at church sales.
Don's discount audio books and e-books to include in your library. Though audio books are not my preferred way of consuming books, I have about 50 in my Audible library. And I have more e-books than I do print books.
There are three websites that I visit every day to see what free and discounted books they have on offer. The books are offered for free or heavily discounted as a way to introduce readers to new authors.
And sometimes, publishers use that as a strategy to introduce a new book that a well-known author wrote. Sometimes the promotion is so successful that by the time you visit Amazon to download the free or discounted e-book, the promotion has ended. So, pay attention to the price on Amazon.
My Resources That Can Help You
I've created programs to help professionals solve problems, as well as develop skills to thrive. By participating in some of the programs, you'll also build your home library since you'll be reading books. Here are four programs I'm drawing attention to.
Career Knowledge Accelerator: Read Selectively, Digest More Books
Business Knowledge Accelerator: Read Selectively, Digest More Books
Sales Knowledge Accelerator: Read Selectively, Digest More Books
MoreReads Success Blueprint 12 Month Program
The most accomplished people use books as problem solving tools. They carve out the time in their schedule to find solutions in the pages of a book. Let me help you to solve your own problems. Additionally, this program helps you to learn valuable career skills. Click the link MoreReads Success Blueprint Accelerator Program to buy.
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This post contains affiliate links and The Invisible Mentor® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support! Post first published in October 2014.
