Books, books and more books: Proper display of books starts with a good purge

Argentine writer, poet and essayist Jorge Luis Borges once said, "I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books." I, too, love books. For many years, my homes have been cluttered with stacks and stacks of books. Even in this technological age where everyone seems surgically attached to their laptops and readers, handling a book and flipping through its musty pages gives me a sense of instant comfort.

The question always arises as to how one stores one's collection. The best advice is from someone who owns a collection of their own. The subject of having or not having a "library" comes up. Those with large homes and deep pockets do, while those in tighter confines with limited purchasing power don't.

So is it absolutely necessary to have a built-out library? Don't despair. The answer is no. While it is a great way to organize and store books, it is not a must-have. Books can be stored with ingenuity in the most unexpected places: atop an entry table in stacks, underneath a staircase, on nightstands, on top of or underneath a coffee table or end tables, stacked on sturdy chairs, placed upon each other against a wall, stacked to create an end table, on shelves behind a headboard as a backdrop. The options are endless.

Every once in a while I encounter a design client who is a true lover of books, and dare I say the words I know I shouldn't but sometimes must: "Your books have got to go - or else"? Book lovers around the world shudder at the thought of getting rid of or editing their collection of books. I understand the hesitation, as it can literally take a lifetime to collect books, especially rare ones. But it is not necessary to keep every single book one has read.

Sharing a book after you've read it is a good way to keep control of your inventory. If doing this per book is too cumbersome, then do a yearly purge. Right before the holidays, take an afternoon with a good cup of coffee and peruse your books, putting aside paperbacks and other books and periodicals that needn't be kept. Hang on to books that have relevance to your profession or interests, artist monographs, and rare or first editions, as well as those books that have been in your family for a few generations and have specific memories. Editing your books will allow you room for new books and sources of information.

The impact of books upon young families is immeasurable. Because books are a source of knowledge and also entertainment, homes with books never have moments of boredom, as one always has a subject to research or a novel to read. As children watch their parents read, they, too, will emulate this great pastime and enjoy reading every day.

To end our column on books, I again will quote Borges: "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." I certainly hope so.

• Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla.

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