Lindsay Brackeen
Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Who knew? I certainly didn’t but when I found out, I was ecstatic. And the good news is that while big box corporate-owned bookstores are booming, the majority of the retail book market is controlled by small stores. This makes me so happy (actually I’m happy when any bookstore flourishes) as my dream has always been to own a small bookstore with a coffee bar and one that hosts book signings, book clubs, and other gatherings. I even have a name for it: Luna Books. Maybe in my next life.
Until then, I’ll celebrate the small book shop boom trend that isn’t limited to just U.S. sales. According to goodnewsnetwork.org, 50 percent of all retail book sales worldwide come from those little bookstores around the corner and tucked away. Yay!
It’s been said bookshelves say a lot about a person and are like self-portraits, as when you look at someone’s collection of books, you see what interests that person. Bookshelves are hot right now. I’ve always adored them and have several. I’m a physical book girl. No Nook or eBooks for me.
Lisa Hilderbrand
My dream rooms are either a library like the one in “My Fair Lady” with a rolling ladder or a dining room with built-ins. Again, maybe in my next life.
Town & Country
Bookshelf Wealth
I’m not alone here, as a new design trend has appeared dubbed “Bookshelf Wealth.” Like we need another video trend or the pressure of pursuing wealth, right? This one’s a good one though; I promise!
Yes, the idea first appeared in online videos but rapidly gained popularity in the design world. Videos featuring elegantly styled bookshelves filled with unique collections, objets d’art, paintings, photographs, and lots of lovely books rack up millions of views. But, as featured in “Veranda” magazine, this is a trend that will endure for years. Books are like that.
So, what’s the difference between a regular ole bookshelf and a “bookshelf wealth” bookcase? The latter’s shelves aren’t overly styled or staged, but rather have a lived-in look and lean into their imperfections to create a cozy vibe in your home. Without even trying or knowing about this trend, I gotta say my bookshelves follow this “new” trend. Here are some of my faves I found:
Traditional Home
Bria Hammel Interiors
Womans Day
Traditional Home
Renee Bouchon
Other key tips for creating this looks is to keep in mind that everyone’s bookshelves should be different and based on your own personal taste and collections. You don’t want them to look overly staged or perfect. Also, if you or your collection just aren’t there yet, no worries. You can start as early as today by purchasing a bookshelf or having built-ins installed and then add your favorite books along with souvenirs from your travels, pieces of art, and framed photos of friends and family. Most of all have fun with it and remember that just like financial wealth, you want to invest in your bookshelf wealth and let it grow over time.
Book Club Goals
Perhaps a good place to start collecting books is through a book club. I’m a member of one in my neighborhood and even though I don’t always like or read each month’s chosen book, I love my book club. Extremely popular and literally (excuse the pun) found everywhere, did you know book clubs can actually make you happier?
According to author/blogger/speaker Gretchen Rubin and right along with my previous “Find Your People” blog, belonging to a book club is a great way to meet new people who either share your same interests or open you up to new perspectives and ideas. Being a part of a book club that meets regularly also is in line with “Find Your People” as it ensures you are connecting consistently and hopefully building bonds that stretch beyond the books.
So many people claim “read more” as a goal but many also never achieve that goal. Joining a book club is the perfect answer as it ensures you don’t neglect reading or put it at the bottom of your to-do-list.
How to get started? The easiest way is to join an existing book club. If you want to start a new one, be clear about the club’s expectations. Who can join? Can people attend who didn’t read the book? Can anyone suggest a book? Who hosts the club and where? How often does it meet? People often assume a book club has to be organized in a certain way, but kinda like your bookshelves, they can be arranged and created however you want!
Reading is healthy for you and ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists agree that strong relationships make people happier and that we need enduring, intimate bonds. We need to feel like we belong. (Hello Jeannie Allen!) and we need to get and give support. Those same ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists also agree that eading makes people happier and that reading regularly boosts creativity, improves vocabulary, reduces stress, fosters empathy and understanding, and is FUN!
Hmmmm…it doesn’t take an ancient philosopher, contemporary scientist, or rocket scientist to realize that by combining community with reading you are creating happiness! Join a book club. Start a book club. Your personal bookshelf probably has some good starting points and if not, your local bookstore does. Check them out and check out books!
Beyond Words 