Autumn Diaries | Sorting Out the Library, Sort Of | November 2026
Sort book piles by purpose first, then shelve by category and publication year so the collection is easier to navigate.
- Separate books into clear groups: read, bought, sent, proofs, upcoming reads, and books to return to shelves.
- Organize shelves by category and format; keep recent fiction separate from older fiction and nonfiction.
- Use a keep-or-cull review to reassess books as your reading tastes change.
The library tour and sorting approach are useful, but most of the video is personal reading and life updates. · Best for: Readers with large home libraries or overflowing TBR piles
A personal autumn vlog that begins with a plan to sort a chaotic home library. The creator groups books by purpose, explains how the shelves are arranged, and shares several reading updates. The sorting remains unfinished, with a later keep-or-cull review planned.
Sorting the initial piles0:00
- The immediate goal is to separate books that need shelving, books already read, unsolicited arrivals, and books intended for friends or future reading.
- The creator plans to work through the mess gradually rather than complete it in one session.
Grouping books by purpose4:03
- Separate the Booker Prize shortlist, anticipated reads, upcoming event and book-club books, and books already read.
- Return books removed from shelves to their places; move books already read toward the office, while setting aside favorites for year-end lists.
- The first lunch-break sorting session only makes partial progress.
Making room to read and reassessing the collection7:24
- With the shelves full, the creator considers focusing on reading books already owned.
- A planned keep-or-cull review is intended to reflect changing tastes and make room for books that are still appealing.
Library shelf tour25:05
- Poetry has its own shelves; recent fiction is grouped by publication year, with older fiction arranged by author surname and format.
- Some imported editions and crime books are stored separately; nonfiction occupies its own shelves.
- Incoming and filming shelves distinguish books already read, books bought by the creator, and publisher copies.
Halloween reading updates37:05
- The creator reads Queens of the Crypt, a queer, spooky graphic novel about a trans young person and supernatural allies.
- A Cut of Salt is described as literary horror about a haunted Palestinian house, with the house itself serving as a narrator.
Wrap-up and future plans42:33
- The library is still not fully sorted, despite the original plan; the creator frames the video as only a partial sorting effort.
- A shelf-by-shelf keep-or-cull project is planned for December.
Step by step
- Sort loose books into practical groups: already read, personally purchased, publisher-sent, proofs, upcoming reads, books to return to shelves, and books for others.
- Return displaced books to their shelves and move already-read books that belong elsewhere.
- Arrange shelves by category, publication year, author surname, or format—using the system that is easiest for you to maintain.
- Set aside favorites or books needed for upcoming content before moving the rest.
- Review shelves later and decide which books to keep or pass on as your tastes change.
Notes are AI-generated from the video's transcript and may miss nuance.