Of course, you can have books as a minimalist!
A minimalist library might not look like the traditional library you’re used to. It might be a small collection of physical books. The important thing is that it’s a collection of books that you love and that you refer to often.
Being a minimalist means owning things with a purpose, and that you love and use. So, if you are a minimalist and love to read, having books makes perfect sense.
There are some questions that you are probably asking yourself if you are a minimalist bookworm. How many books do you need? Do you need to keep every single book? If you buy a new one, should you get rid of one in your library? Well, there are answers to all of these questions. But first, let me explain what a minimalist library looks like.
What does a minimalist library look like?
A minimalist library is a small collection of books that are carefully curated. This means that every book in the library has a purpose and is loved and used.
How many books do a minimalist need? A minimalist library can contain anywhere between 10 to 200 books, it all depends on the person.
The idea behind having a minimalist library is that the books in it are high quality and useful, instead of having a large collection of books that are never read or used. This approach can result in a more enjoyable reading experience, as well as save space and money.
For example, someone who loves to cook might have a small collection of cookbooks, while someone who loves history might have a smaller collection of historical fiction and non-fiction. In either case, the focus is on quality over quantity.
So if you’re looking to downsize your book collection, or simply want to make sure that every book you own is one you love, consider creating a minimalist library.
Advantages of minimalizing your library
There are several advantages to minimalizing your library.
- Firstly, it saves space. If you live in a small home or apartment, having a smaller book collection can be a huge advantage.
- Secondly, it can save you money. Buying fewer books means you have more money to spend on other things (or to save!).
- Another advantage of having a minimalist library is that it can force you to be more selective about the books you buy. This means that you are more likely to buy books that you will actually read and enjoy, instead of impulse buying books that end up sitting on your shelves unread.
- Finally, having a minimalist library can make your reading experience more enjoyable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a large collection of books, you can take your time to savor each book in your library. This also makes it easier to keep track of what you have read and what you want to read next.
Tips for creating a minimalist library
If you’re interested in creating a minimalist library, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What kind of books do you want to include?
First of all, consider what kinds of books you want to include. Do you want a collection of self-development books, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, or a mix of all of them? Try to be as specific as possible when deciding on the types of books you want to include.
It all depends on your interests and what you want to get out of your library.
Narrow down
Once you know what kinds of books you want to include, you can start narrowing down your collection.
If you’re not sure where to start, try getting rid of any books that you don’t think you’ll ever read or the ones that you don’t want to read again or come back to.
What to do with the books that you don’t need?
- Donate. One option is to donate your unwanted books to a local library, school, hospital, or senior center.
- Gift. Another option is to gift your unwanted books to friends or family members.
- Sell. If you’re looking to make a bit of money, you can sell your unwanted books online or at a used book store.
- Recycle. If the books are in bad condition, you can recycle them.
- Repurpose. Finally, you can repurpose them by using them as decoration or turning them into a DIY project.
Consider other ways of reading books
Another tip is to consider other ways to read books, such as borrowing from friends or using an e-reader. This can help to reduce the number of physical books you need to own.
It can also save you money, as e-books are often cheaper than print books.
Another way of reading is to use the library. This is a great way to have access to a large number of books without having to own them all. And it’s free!
Other ways of reading books
- Borrow from friends/family. Borrowing books from friends or family is a great way to save money and space. You can also create a system where you trade books with them so that you both have access to a larger variety of titles.
- E-reader. An e-reader can hold thousands of books, which means you can carry around a large library with you wherever you go. Plus, they’re often cheaper than print books.
- Library. The library is a great resource for book lovers. Not only is it free to use, but you also have access to a wide variety of titles.
- Join a reading club. Joining a book club is a great way to meet new people and discuss the books you’re reading. Not only that, but you can also exchange books between you, which saves you money and space.
- Audiobooks. Well, it is not reading, but still, information from the books gets stuck in your head. So, kind of the same (not for everyone though, of course).
Only keep books that you love
This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s easy to hang onto books out of guilt, because they were gifted to you or because you think you should read them.
Don’t keep books that you don’t love just because you feel like you should. Keep only the books that you really enjoy and will actually read.
This is your library, so make sure it reflects your interests and tastes.
Related: Unwanted Gifts: How to Handle & Prevent Receiving Them
Keep your minimalist library organized
Also, make sure to keep your library organized. This will help you to find the books you want to read quickly and easily. Also, it will help you to keep track of your books.
You can use a bookshelf or a simple box to store your books. If you have an empty wall in your house, you could even create a small library by installing some shelves.
Whatever storage solution you choose, make sure it meets your needs.
Declutter regularly
While there’s no such thing as a perfect library, there are certainly ways to make your library more efficient and organized.
One of the most important things you can do is to declutter regularly. This involves getting rid of old books that you no longer want or need, as well as reorganizing your shelves to make room for new additions.
Not only will this help to keep your library looking its best, but it will also make it easier to find the books you’re looking for. In addition, decluttering on a regular basis will prevent your library from becoming overwhelming and cluttered.
So if you’re looking to keep your library in tip-top shape, be sure to make decluttering a regular part of your routine.
Related: What is Minimalist Aesthetic & How to Achieve It?
Don’t read, just listen!
Nowadays, with the development of technology, audiobooks are replacing physical books. It is a great way to “read” books, especially if you want to keep your library minimal.
The best advantage is that you can listen to audiobooks while you are driving, doing housework, or working out. It is a great way to make use of your time.
Also, the digital library of audiobooks is huge, but it takes no space! You can have thousands of audiobooks stored on your phone or tablet. (The same goes for E-books!)
Best minimalist books for your minimalist library collection
Since we are on the topic of libraries and books, I want to share with you some of the best minimalist books that I have read. These are the books that have had the biggest impact on my life and my journey to minimalism.
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
If you’re looking for a book that will change your life, look no further than The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. This book is a game-changer when it comes to decluttering and organizing your home.
It’s full of practical tips and advice that will help you to get rid of the things you don’t need and organize your home in a way that works for you. Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll never look at your stuff the same way again.
- The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
If you’re interested in learning more about the minimalist lifestyle, I highly recommend The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker. In this book, Joshua shares his own journey to minimalism and provides readers with practical advice for decluttering and simplifying their homes.
This book is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in minimalism and is looking for some guidance on how to get started.
- The Joy of Less by Francis D. K. Ching
If you’re looking for a more light-hearted take on minimalism, I recommend The Joy of Less by Francis D. K. Ching. This book is a fun and easy read that will inspire you to declutter your home and simplify your life.
Francis provides readers with tips and tricks for decluttering their homes. This book is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a fun and easy read that will help them get started on their own journey to minimalism.
- Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno
If you’re interested in learning about the Zen approach to minimalism, I highly recommend Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno.
The book is more about mental minimalism than a physical one. But it’s a great read if you want to learn how to declutter your mind and focus on what’s important. The author teaches that the present moment is all we have and that’s what we should focus on.
- A Simpler Life by The School of Life
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about the philosophy of minimalism.
The book is divided into four sections, each of which addresses a different area of life: relationships, social life, work, and possessions. In each section, the author provides an overview of the topic and then offers concrete suggestions for achieving simplicity.
Throughout the book, the author draws on a wide range of influences, from Zen Buddhism to Modernist architecture, to make his case for simplicity. As a result, A Simpler Life is both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers a unique perspective on what it means to live a good life.
Book collector and minimalist
So ironic, book collector and minimalist! BUT…!
If you’re a book collector, don’t worry, there’s still a place for you in the minimalist lifestyle!
It is your hobby, and like any other hobby, enjoy it! Don’t get rid of your books, just because you want to be labeled as a minimalist.
Minimalism is all about finding a balance that works for you. If you love collecting books, then keep doing it.
You can have 500 books in your library and 2 pairs of jeans.
Also, try to keep your collection organized and tidy. That way, you can still enjoy your hobby without letting it take over your life.
Final thoughts
Books are one of the best ways to gain new knowledge and perspective, and they can be a nice decoration in your house as well (yes, even as a minimalist, I think it is important to decorate our houses to add personality, but what is considered as decorations is another question, anyway…).
Don’t think that minimalists can’t have books. The key is to focus on quality over quantity and to choose books that will add value to your life.
Also, don’t forget that you can always donate or sell your books once you’re done with them (and you don’t want to re-read them), so you don’t have to keep them forever if you don’t want to.
The key is to find a balance that works for you and to not let your possessions control you and get you overwhelmed.
Yes, books are material possessions, but they can be so much more than that. They can be a source of comfort, knowledge, and inspiration.
So if you love books, don’t think that you have to get rid of them all in order to be a minimalist.
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