I've always insisted that I have 2 hobbies.
1. Reading
2. Buying books
Why are they separate hobbies? I hear nobody asking. Well this blog isn't called Loaded Shelves for nothing. During lockdown numero uno, I had some more-serious-than-usual anxiety attacks and as a coping method I decided to write a list of every single physical book I had in the house. Yup. The answer to the question I didn't really want to ask myself is 947. Ok ok it wasn't but it's been Christmas since so it's risen slightly. I didn't really put any thought into the number itself as that is all it was, and then I saw my friend @librarylooter post about the 2021 Shelf Reduction template from @laurasloaninglibrary and I thought...I wonder how many of those 947 are still unread?
578
Oh my.
I knew it would be a lot but I had absolutely NO idea it was quite that bad. I think it became pretty clear what my 2021 bookish challenge was going to be and I thought maybe I could actually revive this blog and see how I get on reducing my physical bookshelves. It would be great if anyone wanted to stick around and cheer me on?
SO! There are few things to it and unfortunately (because i'm using my work laptop) i'm not actually able to share any images with you, so please do check out @laurasloaninglibrary for her amazing templates!
Step 1: Count your total unread books. - Mine was 578
Step 2: Each month there are 4 columns to complete 'Read', 'Added', 'Unloaded/donated' and 'new total'. As you can see from the categories, you don't necessarily have to READ every single one of those books to reduce your shelf, you can also do a bit of a sort out and unhaul some that you're unlikely to read. For example, I have quite a lot of physical books that I also own on the kindle, so I could reduce my number by unhauling the physical copies. Additionally, when you acquire new physical books you're also bound to declare them too, so if you're a compulsive book buyer *cough* hobbyist then you could well be increasing your number as you go.
The aim of the game is to essentially complete the template at the end of December 2021 with a number that is less than the one you started with. With a starting figure of 578 you'd think that would be a pretty easy task but honestly? Buying books is like a drug to me and i'm also gifted them from my husband, friends and family too so I need to be careful!
I'm quite excited about the task ahead if i'm honest and I really hope I can reduce that number at least by double figures! Please let me know if you're taking part, I would love to see your progress and follow your journey - especially if you're on instagram!
