How I've created a minimalist library

A bookworm with only 21 books... (FREE TO READ)

Hello, I’m Molly and I write about my slow and simple life in the Scottish Highlands. Subscribe for free to enjoy occasional posts from me. Or, better yet, join our slow community of kindred spirits to unlock ALL my content, including exclusive writing, videos and resources, to help you live the life you REALLY crave. We’d love you to join us for a cuppa…

The ultimate dilemma. Can you be a bookworm and a minimalist?

I’ve been practising minimalism for 5 years now and currently live in a Tiny Home with my partner in the Scottish Highlands.

We don’t have a lot of space for books.

Yet, I’m an avid reader. This was one of my primary hobbies as a child/teenager and I’ve fallen back in love with it now I’m in my early 30’s.

Another snagging point is that I only read physical books. I’ve never really enjoyed reading digital copies nor ventured into listening to audiobooks. There is something immensely satisfying about holding a book, with that musty ink scent, that just can’t be matched for me.

At first, I thought culling my books would be difficult, but, to my surprise (and relief!) curating a personalised minimal library has added a huge amount of joy to my life. It no longer feels like a sacrifice.

Here’s how I did it….

How I’ve minimised my library

Borrow books

I’m a devoted library visitor. It never fails to delight me that I am able to access so many beautiful books for free. This can be specific titles I’ve requested, or, arguably my favourite, those I’ve picked up impulsively when browsing.

In addition to the library, I love to swap books with friends. Having their personal recommendation is really special and I adore comparing notes afterwards.

As these books are borrowed, they don’t take up permanent space in my home.

Thrift books

I rarely buy new books. Alongside borrowing, the vast majority of my reading comes from charity shops.

I love the thrill of finding a book that’s been on my TBR (to be read) for a while or a completely new title that’s caught my eye. The upside to this strategy is there is no timeframe on reading these titles, so I’m able to spread reading them throughout the year.

As I’ve not spent a huge amount of money on these books, I’ve no qualms on re-donating them and, of course, you get the feel-good vibes of supporting a charity.

Digital library

Creating my own digital library for my reading has been a gamechanger.

I use Notion for this (you can buy your own Bookworm Planner on my Etsy Store) and it enables me to save the contents of a book, without having to hold on to the physical copy.

For each book I read, I write up a summary (or key points for non-fiction), my thoughts and any quotes I’ve tabbed.

As all this information is easily accessible, I feel more comfortable in letting books go.

Mindset

Finally, I’ve found that shifting my mindset has helped curb the urge to hang onto books.

Firstly, I love the idea that books should be shared and passed on so other’s can enjoy them too.

And secondly, I understand that my memories of a story are not tied to the physical book. They live within me and I’m able to revisit them whenever I want.

As Virginia Wolf says -

“A good book is never finished - It goes on whispering to you from the walls.”

How I organise my library

My reading planner

The first place I organise my books is within my Notion reading planner.

This is where I list all the books I currently have in my home (in addition to a wish list of books I would like to get) and their current status e.g., not started, reading or read.

As I enjoy reading seasonally, I further categorise these books by the season I want to read them within.

I find having a digital library means I am realistic about the number of books I need to bring into my home and curbs too much impulse book buying!

---

Enjoying this post? Check out more bookish writing in my reading nook and subscribe to get these delivered straight to your inbox!

---

Books in my Tiny Home

There are four locations where I store books in my home.

The first is a basket that I keep beside my bed. This stores the books I am currently reading or those that I intend to read in the near future e.g., in the next month.

As I don’t own a bookcase (and I’m not sure where I’d put one!), the majority of my books are stored on our two bookshelves in our living space. These are split into books I’m keeping on one shelf (more on this later) and my current TBR on another shelf.

I have what I call my ‘holding library’, which is an alcove in our stairs. This is to store read books that are waiting to be returned or donated, the latter of which I tend to do on a seasonal basis after I’ve shot my seasonal book review videos for my members (watch my spring review HERE).

Finally, I own three recipe books that I keep in a draw in the kitchen.

My minimalist library inventory

I have one rule when it comes to my minimalist library. I only keep books that I intend to re-read.

I’ve found this approach simple but effective. I don’t re-read many books, so this instantly cuts down my keep pile, which currently consists of only 21 books.

This will look different for everyone, but for me these books can be split into three categories -

• My favourite classic fiction - I don’t feel the pull to re-read contemporary fiction but often revisit the classics

• Sentimental books - this is restricted to one series that I read in my teenage years and still enjoy reading now

• Nature memoirs - this is the only non-fiction I keep, purely because they inspire my own nature writing (and perhaps one day my own memoir) and I find it difficult to summarise them in my Notion planner

You can find out what these titles are by joining my paid membership and unlocking the Notion page with the full list below.

Final thoughts

I in no way want this post to dictate how many books you should own. This is a personal decision for each reader.

I’m certainly not perfect and I’m sure my bookshelves will evolve over time.

For now, curating a minimalist library has allowed me to fully enjoy reading, whilst aligning with my simple living values.

Until next time,

Molly xx