Andre Norton Forum

As your collection grows [and overflows], consider some storage suggestions. There are literally dozens of feet of perfectly good shelf space virtually unused in every room of your house. Consider the space a foot or so below the ceiling. If you run shelves all the way around a 10' X 10' room, that's 40 linear feet of shelf space. If you run shelves all the way to the ceiling [rather than the usual lame 5'-6' feet up from the floor], you'll increase your available space significantly without having to use all your wall space. Also, if you have any sort of adjustable shelf arrangement, putting shelves even a few inches closer together [after all, how many books do you have that are 12"?] will allow you to get more shelves out of the same unit.

Think of every nook and cranny as a potential book-storage area. If you can get any soda flats or tray boxes, several feet of books can be conveniently stored under sofas and beds. If you cook as little as I do [or are as short as I am], the tops of kitchen cabinets offer intriguing possibilities. That's where I keep most of my holiday gifts for friends--the books, anyway--already bagged, tagged, and listed on the computer for Christmas 1998.

Don't overlook the humble garage. My dad gave me storage shelves out in the garage, down the whole length of one of the long sides. Starting from the ceiling and working down, the shelves are 18" deep and 14" apart. The shelves are deep enough to double-row hardbacks or triple-row paperbacks. Unfortunately for me, they're also just the right size for boxes of files; Marty's already taken over more than 2/3 of the space I asked for, but it's still a good idea. Just remember, electric [and sonic] screwdrivers rule! [The garage idea gives purists like Irene the williwonkers. Just remember, store Andre books in the house and others {i.e., authors of lesser import} in the garage.]

If you're desperate, consider double-rowing your books. Most shelves on conventional units are deep enough for this; just try to make sure that one hardback isn't in front of another, or one of them will protrude. If you're *really* desperate, you can even double-row up-and-down, but, as this is exceedingly inconvenient, it's not really recommended.

With a little creativity and not being afraid to look at things in new ways [Andre 101], it's surprising how many books can be stored in relatively small spaces, leaving the middle of the floor uncluttered and even plenty of wallspace for artwork, etc. All it takes is a little imagination, organization, a new perspective, and more time than I've got.

[Have you considered the bottom of your closet? Most people hang their clothes from the rack, leaving 2'-3' at the bottom almost unused. This space might be good for albums or books you don't get to as often. I'd recommend keeping them in boxes and putting a list of what's in the box on the side facing outwards. Having a list of what's in each box and where each box is on the computer isn't a bad idea either; any volunteers to come do this at my house are graciously welcomed. There's some space behind the door to the computer room I've started eying speculatively while writing this...]