A cosy corner for bookworms
The Hindu : Due to scarcity of space in their households, many store their books in cartons while some others arrange them in metal racks. Having a separate home library-cum-study room is always desirable where space permits. The smallest of the bedrooms can serve as a home library in an apartment. However, the library must be protected from natural and manmade hazards.
While many assume that a library needs plenty of sunlight, the assumption is not always true. Excessive sunlight is sure to harm the books by draining out the colours and breaking down the paper while the total absence of ventilation will foster the growth of mildew.
Only judicious amounts of light and air are permissible to maintain books in good condition. The library should not share its walls with either toilet or kitchen, nor should it have an overhead cistern or a neighbour’s toilet over its roof. Leaking walls can totally damage a library.
It should not be freely accessible for outsiders if book thefts are to be avoided.
“There is no standard size of a home library. It wholly depends on the number of books one has and the space one could spare. Ideally the size should not be less than 6X6 feet,” says G. Sunil Kumar, Deputy Director of the Institute of Architecture and Design. He suggests a minimum entry size of 30 inches, preferably closed by glass doors. “Glass insulates the library well from external disturbances as it blocks vibrations effectively. It is even better if a side of the library is completely closed by glass,” he says.
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