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The Evolution Of The Home Library
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE HOME LIBRARY
by julie young, house & home feature writer
Once upon a time (read: pre-Downton Abbey era) the home library was a formal space where the head of the household, usually a wealthy landowner in the European countryside, stored his cherished volumes, conducted his business, and received his most important guests. Thanks to the influence of America, the traditional library evolved to become the “modern” family’s pre-Internet information superhighway. The Edwardians of the Gilded Age not only used the room as a reading nook, but it was also a place to conduct business, share news, socialize with their network of friends, play games, and listen to music. In short, it was the non-electric “smart room” of the house. Why not create one of your own?
BEYOND THE COVER
According to Kristie Erickson, deputy executive director of The History Museum in South Bend, the traditional library was a family room that often doubled as a home office. In time however, it was separated from the study, which was designated for business and academic pursuits.
“It had the most comfortable furniture and was meant to be shared with family and friends,” she said. “It was not a quiet room filled with books.”
Erickson said today’s home library can include anything that is important to the family that lives there. It may be a space to display a carefully curated collection, serve as a music hub, a book nook, a place to put together puzzles and so much more. The key is to create a comfortable place that you can share with others.
“How a homeowner uses the library is dependent on what they want to get out of their home,” Erickson said. “I love having a room full of books that I can share with family and friends. To me, the two go hand in hand.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When creating your home library, it is important to have the proper storage for the items you plan to keep or display in the space. Shelving for books, games, music and collectibles will help keep your library organized while a gallery wall will enable you to display your favorite artworks no matter if they were created by Picasso or your preschooler. You’ll also want to outfit the room with comfortable furnishings that welcome guests and encourage them to stay a while.
Janine Blosser, with Brandenberry Furniture in Shipshewana said when it comes to the home library, customers can choose from a full line-up of Amish made, solid wood furniture in a variety of styles and finishes. She said most folks will want to outfit the space with seating that is appropriate to the task at hand as well as tables and cabinetry that will complement their activities. “Comfortable chairs with a small table between them are always popular, but sometimes a desk or office chair is desired as well. Above all, you want to make sure that you have appropriate lighting so that you can get the most out of your room,” she said. No matter if it is a communal gathering area or a private sanctuary to curl up with your favorite volumes or journal, the home library is worth checking out. It can hold the chapters of your family’s story and can serve as the backdrop to many happy endings! n
Photo courtesy of Brandenberry Furniture, Shipshewana
RESOURCES
Brandenberry Furniture, Shipshewana, 855.786.3270 www.brandenberryamishfurniture.com The History Museum, South Bend, 574.235.9664 www.historymuseumsb.org
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