The Book Blogger Hop was initially created by Crazy-For-Books and is now hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer. Every Friday, a new question is posted for bloggers to answer during the week. The Book Blogger Hop aims to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and maybe even receive some new blog followers.

This week’s question is: Are books a must-have in your home?

Surprisingly, no. There are lots of books in my house- beautiful first editions, favorites passed down from departed relatives, and some special editions, and this makes up the bulk of books displayed in my house. They are housed in two collonade bookshelves which divide my living room from the dining room and are the main reason we bought our current house. Upstairs I have a collection of modern paperbacks that I keep to re-read on a shelf, and the rest of the bookcase houses new books that come into my possession. Next to my office desk, there is a small book case next to my office desk that holds books I am reading or reviewing. It’s a lot of books, but I am constantly decluttering. I stock my Little Free Library weekly, donate generously to our local library, and book swap with friends nationwide.

I have become increasingly less precious about owning physical books, preferring to borrow them from the library, purchasing digital versions, listening to versions on audible, and for the physical books I do buy, unless I plan to re-read them again or I can think of an immediate use for them- I try to find them a new home. Books are meant to be read, not languish on shelves.

That’s not to say I don’t love books. As an author, if I had my druthers, a whole room in my house would be a library, and I would buy every new release that catches my eye- but I have a small home with zero storage. So my needs are also limited by the practicalities of my living situation. I must review books for this fledgling blog, I like to read my fellow authors, and I generally prefer a physical book if possible, but I don’t need to keep every book.

I must read; it makes me happy- but I am trying to move away from thinking of books as a “must-have item” they are a commodity and a luxury, especially in the current economy, so I don’t want my fellow readers to think that to belong to the “reading community’ or to be a “good book blogger” you have to own a lot of books, beautifully curated throughout your home. You don’t. If you read, you’re a part of the community.

I am curious how others balance their desire to acquire books and whether they see books as must-have items. Leave your thoughts below.