One thing I love to do in other people’s homes is scan their library. You can definitely get a feeling of their worldview and interests based on what they are reading.

I love how books can add to the atmosphere of the home. However, too many books can also become clutter.

Today, I want to share three principles in creating a home library. These principles areas are based on my own learning experience.

1. Curriculum/Book Lists: What books does the curriculum you intend to use require or suggest. The curriculum or book list you follow will most likely recommend great books for you to include in your home library. Beware, though to not follow to many book lists. One might get carried away.

2. Space: How much space do you have? Since starting homeschooling I have gotten a little too excited buying books. Before I knew it my empty bookshelf was full of books. Many of the books I didn’t even have time to read! That’s why I got real strict on following the curriculum over a book list.

3. Budget: Books are great but the price can add up. I’m going to suggest someways to save on books quickly:

a) check them out of the library
b) watch a read aloud on YouTube. This is a great way to see if the book is a good fit for your library.
c) buy used books
d) get the free using credit card points

I know the last suggestion is not for every family but it has helped us to get many free books.

One last thing, use a display bookshelf to display and rotate seasonal books on a monthly or seasonal basis. It’s fun to see the kids excited over “new” books.

I do think that keeping in mind these three principles will help you create a home library that fits your family.

What other principle would you add to creating a home library?