I seriously trimmed my collection down a few years ago pending a trip to Asia in an effort to maximize my tiny storage space. Some of them I miss. Moving in with my boyfriend, who is also a big reader,was also challenging.. we had to decide what to donate and which of our multiple copies of certain books to keep since we had a similar collection. Now, we bought a nice wall unit with cupboard drawers and customized shelves and we keep them organized and together by size, and failing that, category.

I seriously don't think there's such a thing as too many books. I have thousands myself (in part thanks to my parent's hoarding); and use them in dozens of ways around the house. I have larger hardcovers used as bookends for smaller ones, elavating table-side lamps, and even as side and coffee table bases themselves (not only strong, but beautiful too). If the books are merely beautiful to look at, but unlikey to be read again, I wouldn't hesitate to run an anchor post down the middle of a stack for a dining room table with glass top, or once glued them into solid support pieces, and crafted wall to wall display shelves (an upscale version I thought, of the old shelves we all had in college, made of 2 x 4s and milk crates). I've turned them into vintage looking jewellry for friends, or glued, hollowed out, and hinged, they make discreet hiding spots around the house for treasures. Of course we read them too!  The only time they posed a problem for me, was during the decade I moved more than usual; and found it hard to entice people to help more than once, if they'd had any part in a past book haul of mine, lol. So here's to all the book lovers out there, in all our forms. Another time perhaps, I'll ramble about my love for vintage luggage, and all it's uses.

We put them in bookshelves.  Every so often, we cull those that we haven't read and aren't likely to use again, sharing them with family, friends, and as trade-ins at the used bookstore.

It's possible to have too much of anything, but I would rather live without my computer than without books.

I am avid reader so once I read a novel, I sign 'n date it then pass-it-on usually to a family member  or  a friend and request that they do the same  whereas with books of personal interest to myself, I have a tendency to hoard.   :)

(ie: Reference books on  sewing and interior design.)   Other books which I collected over the years, have been passed on to my children.

Memo to myself:  One day I will book cover all the ones I do have but til then,  they are arranged on bookshelves according to category and subject.      -Brenda-

Joining the ranks here, I am also well known for my collection of books. At last count, I had over 300 that I haven't even read yet! But, it would be a traumatic day if I ever had to give even a single one up! Currently, I have cheap Walmart bookshelves...6 feet tall each, and my collection is growing beyond their capacity. I have them organized according to Author, and I pay attention to them each and every day.

I love hearing about creative ways to display them though, and I will be looking forward to hearing more here!