The Library in Donna's New "Old" House: Plus 5 Tips for Creating Your Own Reading Nook
- dhporterbooks
- May 30
- 5 min read
"A house that has a library in it has a soul." Plato
I have always wanted to have my own library and/or office.
You know, a place with shelves and shelves of books. A comfy chair in a quiet corner. A lamp with a soft, legendary glow that bespeaks of all the magical places all those books can take me. And, all the places my writing will go. . .
I never came close until recently when I moved into my new "old" house. Owning and living in my grandparents' house was a dream come true for me. Built in 1946, my grandfather and his Uncle George built the house themselves, sawing the wood and platting it out, nailing in every nail, and more.
The house is what is referred to as tudor-style, and while there is not literally a "library" - there is an "office" (a former sceened-in front porch) with floor to ceiling shelves (also built by my grandfather), two large windows, and all the quiet I need!
Some day, I might even find room for that comfy chair!
I encourage you, that if you don't have a room, mayhap you can gift yourself with a personal library even in a corner? After all, such space is not about some curated book collection, nor is it about leather and old Renaissance-inspired desks. It's a physical map of your passions, curiousities, and yes - your history! Having a dedicated space for reading also signals your brain that it’s time to slow down, unplug, and connect with deeper ideas and, ulitmately, yourself.
Ready to build your literary sanctuary? Here are five simple ways to get started:
A home library doesn't have to be a sprawling, wood-paneled room to create a library. The key is finding a space that your brain associates strictly with unwinding and reading. It could be a specific armchair in the living room, a repurposed closet turned into a reading nook, or a sunlit corner of your bedroom. The important thing is to isolate this area from daily distractions like televisions or work desks.
Curate with intention.
A personal library shouldn't just look like a retail bookstore clearance rack. It should tell the story of your mind. Be selective as you fill your shelves. Choose books that have left a lasting impression on you, reference guides you revisit, and a modest "TBR" (to be read) stack that excites you. If a book no longer serves your interests or values, donate it to make room for something that does.
Prioritize comfort and light.
If your seat is uncomfortable or your lighting is harsh, your reading sessions will be cut short. Invest in a chair that supports your back for long periods. For lighting, aim for layers: a warm ambient light for the room, paired with a focused, adjustable task lamp right next to your chair. Position the light so it shines directly onto your pages without casting shadows or creating glare.
Organize by your own logic.
Ditch the strict library systems. Group your books by genre, color, mood, or even the order in which you plan to read them. You might group books by how they make you feel, chronological history, or fiction versus non-fiction. Do what makes sense not only to your browsing habits, but that makes you feel peaceful and content.
Make it a sensory experience.
Reading is an immersive escape, and your environment should heighten that feeling. Think about the details that help you relax. Add a plush throw blanket for chilly evenings, a small side table that is exactly the right height to hold a steaming mug of tea, and perhaps a candle with a subtle, earthy scent like sandalwood or old paper. By engaging all your senses, the space becomes a true sanctuary.
My home library is still a work in progress. I have yet to unpack all my books. i haven't decided exactly what will be in the space. And, of course, this space doubles for writing and tutoring as well.
However, I am already in love with the space. I am enjoying the windows and natural light. I love hearing the doves and cicadas with their cheerful buzzing.
And I plan to spend lots and lots of time here this summer - writing, reading, and recharging my brain!
Do you already have a space? Looking for a new read this summer? Check on my Pinterest page with boards for all my books! Keep in mind - it's a work-in-progress, too!
Have a home library of your own? Email me a pic at donnahechlerporterbooks@gmail.com. I would love to see where you spend your time reading!
About Donna
Donna Hechler Porter has always had stories in her head. When they were not swirling and gnawing, she had her head in a history book - both fiction and non-fiction. Now, she puts her love of old things, including her genealogy, to good use by writing both genealogy books and novels. She has published five historical novels, several of which have won awards, four genealogy books on her family history, and several smallish books including a book on the 1778 Big Siege of Fort Boonesborough and a book with tips and tricks for bringing history to life for young people. A graduate of Texas A & M University, she currently teaches middle school English and literature at a small private school east of Houston and runs a private tutoring business. She stops for all garage sales and to collect treasures from the side of the road. She dreams of life in a log cabin in the woods, even as she is addicted to antique and thrift shopping.
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