We recently moved into a new house and it was a reminder that we want (I’d argue we need) library-style, built-in bookcases complete with the rolling ladder system.
Boxes of books were among the heaviest, and therefore most expensive, possessions to relocate halfway across the continent. Supposedly, we had 85 boxes of books. That seems like an overstatement to me, but then again I don’t believe we have — or ever could have — too many books.
I envy the libraries of mansions and castles shown in movies and on television. It saddens me that so many of these grand collections exist only for show. Every member of our household loves to read and has a personal bookcase (or two or three) with favorite works to read and reread.
The new house has 10, 12, and 14-foot high ceilings. There is plenty of vertical space for some beautiful built-in bookcases. The longing for bookcases is not new, but now we have a house that could more than accommodate massive wall units with a ladder. Susan and I have been skimming the Web, especially Pinterest, for bookshelf inspiration.
Over the next few years, we intend to save up money for our dream household library. Books in boxes aren’t easily accessible; books belong within reach, even if it requires a ladder to reach them.