Clean Out Your Bookcase Day – February 20, 2025

History of Clean Out Your Bookcase Day

Bookcases are an essential piece of furniture for whoever has an interest in reading. Admit it, a home with books lying on the floor isn’t a pretty sight, hence, a bookcase is required for anyone who wants to stay organized. However, over a period of time, the bookcase tends to get messy and is often covered with books that you have either outgrown, or don’t have any interest in reading. The purpose of the day is to help one decide which books they want to re-read and which ones they want to give away. Reorganizing the bookcase is also important since any visitor you have is bound to question you about the books they see. Hence, not having read more than a few books on the shelf is just going to build a bad impression.

Coming to the history of bookcases, the piece of furniture has existed in one way or another since the invention of books took place. The initial design also evolved based on the materials that were available during each century. In Italy during the 17th century, there was once a time when there were built-in bookcases with pilasters, or recessed columns. At times, even the statues or carved urns on the cornice had spaces for books. However, the French were the first to use bookcases in which the upper part was paneled in glass instead of wood. It wasn’t until the reign of Queen Anne in England that the designs became simpler.