How to Upgrade Your Bookshelf for World Book Day

By Felicia Czochanski Bisaro

On April 23rd, readers, writers, educators and everyday book lovers will be celebrating all things literature around the globe in honor of World Book Day. As we take a moment to appreciate all things bookish, it’s also a nice time to bring a new story into your life. Whether you have a bookshelf in your home, a stack of books that acts as your “to be read” pile or a room that you consider your personal library, any book lover knows you can always find room for one more book! Books bring so much value to people’s lives, and they can also act as décor too — especially within smaller spaces. However you like to enjoy and display your books, World Book Day is a fun excuse for a refresh.

And of course, bringing new books and bookshelf décor into your life doesn’t need to break the bank. Some of my favorite books have been found secondhand. When you head to your local Goodwill^® store, it might be habit that brings you straight to the clothing racks, but most stores also have shelves full of home goods and books. Nowadays, a brand-new hardcover book costs close to $30 when it’s not on sale. At Goodwill, you can find a wide variety of titles for just a small fraction of that retail price — think more like $2 to 5!

You might prefer to get your books from your local library, and even if that’s the case, a trip to Goodwill could still be in order. There are all kinds of amazing items on the shelves of Goodwill that could elevate your at-home book nook or shelf. Book ends are always a fun way to not only help your books stay standing tall, but also to add a bit of flair to your home. The globe book ends above are fun and give a vintage look and feel to any book stack. You can also get creative with what you use as bookends. At my home, I use potted plants, small figurines, teapots and even geodes. The tea light holders above would be a cute option for bookends, whether you put a battery-operated faux candle inside or even a small plant.

World Book Day is an important awareness day as it recognizes the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures. Some of my favorite memories from growing up were sitting on the couch and reading next to my PopPop, who was also reading. A love of books can start from a young age, so it’s never too early to start incorporating them into your routine as a family. And if you were once a book lover but haven’t had time to pick up a book in a while, stop by your local Goodwill for some secondhand, well-loved and flipped-through options to get you back into it.