Loving My Library

Anyone who knows us very well can attest to the fact that we LOVE our books.  If you could add up the hours we've spent in our local Barnes & Noble over the years it would equal days, if not weeks!  We have books on just about everything imaginable, but our collection tends to focus on decorating, cooking, art, and fun easy reading novels for me;  for John, it's all about nature, woodworking, science and history.  We still have a collection of books for young readers who come to visit, as well.  Some of these were kept from John's childhood and from our children, too.  The books were taking over our house, so we decided to build a library in the living area of the house, in the space up over the front porch.  I'm going to share the library with you today. Not all of our books are here, as I keep my art books in the studio and John keeps some of his nature and science books outside in his office;  we have mini-libraries all over the house.  I must say I'm loving my library!

The library ladder/staircase.  It's something in between a ladder and a staircase.  Each step isn't as thin as a ladder step would be...we wanted them to be wider for extra stability, because we're not getting any younger!  But, we didn't want an actual staircase, because we didn't want to give up the floor space.  I designed it and John built it.  We make a good team!  

  

We used oak boards that John cut on a sawmill from a tree on our property in Virginia.  We have been holding this lumber for years waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it, and I think this was it.  It was a special addition to the project, as it brings back memories of our time in Virginia...

This is the view from below, looking up through the hole in the floor.  Now, we'll go up.  The railing to the right is actually antique hand made fencing from Eastern Europe.  

The bookshelves line the wall to the left and around the corner straight ahead.  I have my grandmother's chair and a small table so that one can sit a spell...the kids usually just sit on the rug.

Books!

I have a HUGE painting of cows by Alabama artist Megan Scofield.  When you are down below, it looks like the cows are behind the fence looking down at us!

There is a window to the left of the cows.

This kaleidoscope is a fun little curiosity, filled with magic!  It was a great thrift store find, at $4...can you believe it?

This is looking back towards the ladder/staircase.  

...and the way back down.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed the tiny tour of the tiny library!  It's a space that, so far, has been enjoyed by everyone, and I hope we will enjoy it for many years to come.  

I just refuse to give up my paper books...there's something special about the smell of the paper, holding the actual bound book in my hands.  Nope, don't think I will go over to the electronic books anytime soon...maybe one day (far away) in the future, but if I do, I will still go up to the library to sit and read it!

See you in a couple of days!

Judy

Shared with:

A Delightsome Life- Home and Garden Thursday

Miss Mustard Seed- Furniture Feature Friday

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