***The Starry-Eyed Revue***: the making of a library

I think it's safe to say that all of us book nerd types desire to one day own a library of our very own, complete with rolling ladder and comfy reading nook. I know I do. But I also dream of the organization of a library, the ease of use.

I find myself reorganizing my bookshelves with the seasons or with my moods, and because of this, they're all mixed together now, and I don't have a running list of what I still need to read. And I daresay that at least a third of the books on my shelves are unread. I'm a spontaneous book buyer. If I see it and I want it, I usually buy it, funds willing.

I also can't say no to a good sale. Or Half Price Books. Or review copies. But I digress.

I really want to make my dream library a reality. And being the organized person I am, I want to catalog ALL THE BOOKS. Looking at my shelves, I can tell you what I haven't read at a glance. But when I'm trying to decide on my next read, I want to have choices...I want to know all my options. I'd also like to know which books I've passed on more than a few times so I can find a better home for them.

Ideally, I'd create a card catalog and have every single books' identifying information listed. But that's a pipe dream. Instead -- and also because I am a total spreadsheet nerd -- I'm going to use my awesome spreadsheet skills and organize an entire workbook around cataloging all of my books, present and future acquisitions. It's worked so well with my review schedule and really helped me keep track of what I'm reading and need to be reading for review purposes. It can't fail. And maybe, one day, all of that info can be transcribed to a real card catalog of my own making. One day...*sighs*

This also means I'll be reorganizing my bookshelves again in the very near future. I keep changing it up...alphabetical order, favorites, read vs. not read. I sort of want to color-code my shelves, but then I'd never be able to find anything. Okay, that's not entirely true. I kind of have a photographic memory and can easily recall the covers of books I've read or am at least somewhat familiar with. But still. That's not really organized, and it would end up peeving me rather quickly, resulting in another weekend spent organizing.

I want to get all of this done in the next few weeks -- at least the reorganizing part -- because I want to show off my shelves. I've had a request or two for a bookshelf tour, and though I doubt I could ever gather enough courage to appear in such a video, I'd be more than happy to share my shelves with you guys. Also, I've never counted my books, so I'll finally know just how many books I own. (I'm currently giving away three boxes - which equates to 22 books -- if you're interested.)

This is kind of a big undertaking, and I probably should have made it one of my resolutions so that when I finish, I can say I've accomplished something off that list. Either way, I'm pretty excited about this endeavor. And if nothing else, it'll help me with Resolution #1, which was to read more for pleasure. Which, for me, means hitting up some of those books that are sitting on my shelf collecting dust and feeling unloved. :( And all books need a little love...