How I Built My Home Library: A Journey from Passion to Organization // Mokshada Choudhary

Ever since I can remember, books have been a huge part of my life. My love for reading began early, and by the time I reached 10th grade, I realized just how many books I had accumulated over the years. From thrilling crime novels to inspiring biographies and knowledge-rich non-fiction, my collection had grown far beyond a few shelves. It was both exciting and overwhelming. That’s when the idea struck me — why not create a proper library system at home?

What started as a simple effort to organize my growing collection soon turned into a full-fledged personal project. I began by sorting my books into categories: fiction, non-fiction, biographies, general knowledge, crime thrillers, and more. Once I had clearly defined sections, I labeled and numbered each book based on its genre and series. This not only made it easier to find specific titles but also gave my library a sense of structure and professionalism.

One of the most fun parts of having a home library is sharing it with others. Whenever friends or guests visit my home and notice my collection, they’re often drawn to it with curiosity. Many of them end up borrowing books to read, and I’ve set up a simple issuing system to keep track. It’s a small but joyful activity — like running my own mini library! I note down the book, the borrower’s name, and the date, and they return it once they’re done. It creates conversations around books, encourages reading, and adds a warm, interactive touch to every visit. Everyone enjoys being part of it, and it makes my library feel even more alive and shared.

To manage everything effectively, I created a register where each book is listed along with its serial number and category. This register acts as the master record of my entire collection. To keep things in order, I also introduced a monthly maintenance routine. Every month, I take out all the books, clean them, and cross-check them with my register. This helps me make sure that no books are misplaced, missing, or damaged — and it also gives me a chance to revisit some of my favorites.

Currently, my home library holds around 300 books, and I take great pride in maintaining it. It's not just a collection; it’s a reflection of my personality, interests, and growth over the years. Creating this system has taught me a lot about discipline, organization, and the importance of preserving what you love.

Looking back, I never imagined that my childhood love for reading would turn into something so fulfilling. My home library is my sanctuary, and with every new book I add, it continues to grow — not just in size, but in meaning.