Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Mr. Bones, The Librarian at The Cozy Magic Inn.
My usual hangout is in my coffin/tote box in the basement at The Inn, but Amrita (The Head Innkeeper) pulls me out for the ‘Ber’ months.
Her reasoning? The ‘Ber’ months are the coziest of the year, and as reading is the ultimate coziest activity, I’m pulled away from my slumber to make sure the Library at Cozy Magic Inn is running in orderly fashion.
At The Inn, we know we are fortunate. Not everyone has the space in their home to dedicate a whole room for a home library. But methinks you could probably squeeze in a little reading nook. They don’t have to take up too much room. Having said that, we probably got a little carried away at The Inn.
Here is how you can set up your own reading nook/library in your own home, not matter the size of your space:
The Bare Necessities
Seating Options – You need somewhere to sit comfortably. At the Inn, we like a kickback recliner, though we also have a sofa, a bean bag, and even the floor (Mr Cozy Magic Inn likes laying on the floor to read) depending on your preferred sitting position.
Lighting – We love lots of natural light at the Inn, but have warm lit lamps for evening reading options. The lighting needs a little bit of an upgrade at the Inn, so depending on where you are sitting and what you are using to read, you might end up using these book lights.
Spaces for books – At the Inn, we have specific spots for current reads, and books borrowed from external libraries. It helps ensure all books can get back to their rightful owners.
You could use a little shelf for your nook, or even a tote bag kept by your seating to make sure your current read is protected and in easy reach for when you can get back to reading.
Somewhere to sit drinks – A stable, flat surface so you can enjoy your drinks while you read, and not have a spillage accident
Nice Optionals
Make it a safe space for all – This is under ‘optional’ only because I don’t know how many people you are setting your space up for.
If it’s just you, cater the space specifically for your needs and wants.
But at the Inn, we have patrons of all ages and species. So just as one would find at a public library, we strive to make The Cozy Magic Inn’s library a safe space for everyone.
We have a range of seating options for humans, cats, skeletons, and visiting seasonal spirits.
For the younger patrons, we also have a dedicated play area, with communal toys, and sensory friendly gadgets should they be wanted/needed.
Cushions and blankets – to oomph up the comfort and coziness for our patrons. Our younger visitors also use them to make forts and create general chaos, but they are cute, so get away with it.
Bookmarks – Amrita the Head Innkeeper is guilty of dog-marking her books (as a librarian, I cannot even begin to explain how upsetting that is), but she also knows how to sew bookmarks, and is generally quite crafty, so we have a fair few bookmarks laying available. The pages will be protected!
Portable speakers and headphones – At the inn, we intentionally have kept this room large-entertainment electronics free (the Community TV room is downstairs), so all patrons are able to enjoy reading or conversation without distraction.
On the occasion someone may want to listen to some background music, or would rather listen to an audiobook, we have speakers and headphones available so they are able to do that.
Electronic Fireplace – The Head Innkeeper keeps her family and tarot altar here, but the fireplace is only really used in the winter (it’s really a fancy space heater). Admittedly, when it’s on, it adds to the cozy factor in this room.
Rug – Though the rug at our library takes up most of the room, it helps define the play and reading areas of the room. If you are trying to create a boundary of sorts for your reading nook, a rug may help.
She Has a Dream
The following are things the Head Innkeeper and I would like to add to the Library eventually:
Rolling Library Ladder – The Head Innkeeper was slightly obsessed with Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as a child, and is determined to have a rolling library ladder.
Currently, she is making do with this step ladder.
More books – It’s our library, so of course we have to expand our collection
A second reading nook – I think my usual reading spot should be upgraded to a proper reading nook. A small, rotating bookshelf would be a delightful addition, and some lighting to make this recliner more of a book nook too. But as it’s so close to the kids play area, that seems like a silly decision right now. Will stick to fabric coasters and portable book lights for now.
Background music option – I’d like an old school gramophone for the aesthetics, but not practical currently, and the speaker works just fine.
Adding the Cozy to your life
We know adding a book nook to your homes isn’t an option for everyone, but we can always add the cozy magic of reading into out lives!
To help you do that, consider playing along with our Autumn Reading Bingo Card!
How you decide to complete it is up to you. The Head Innkeeper is spending a lot of time reading to her toddler recently, so is going to include those titles on her bingo card. You can do that too if you want!
Homemaker Journal Observation:
What is your favorite cozy spot in your home?
We would love to know! Drop a comment below, or email us at hello@cozymagichome.com. Head Innkeeper Amrita responds to all messages personally, and loves getting emails.
Until next magical mess,
Mr Bones – Cozy Magic Inn’s Librarian