In a recent letter responding to a feature on personal book collections, Christel Stevens of University Park, Maryland, reflected on the enduring value of books in people’s lives. Stevens shared her experience as an avid reader and collector, noting that she maintains bookshelves throughout her home and often rearranges her collection to make room for new additions.

Stevens highlighted how books serve as a link to personal history and heritage. She described a friend living in Manhattan who, despite residing in a rent-stabilized apartment, faces pressure from her landlord to reduce the number of books she keeps. The friend inherited volumes from family members, adding to her growing library, which her landlord has reportedly urged her to downsize.

For Stevens, books represent more than just objects; they are lifelong companions and repositories of memory. She recalled owning books read to her and her siblings by their mother in childhood. Encountering homes without any books, she said, prompts questions about what might be missing in those households.

Addressing the popular approach to decluttering championed by organizing expert Marie Kondo, Stevens stated that for her, books do indeed bring joy and should not be discarded simply to clear space. She emphasized the distinction between collecting for pleasure and hoarding, identifying herself and fellow enthusiasts as proud bibliophiles who treasure their collections.

Stevens’ reflections underline the deep emotional and cultural significance many readers attach to their books, highlighting ongoing debates about the role of physical book collections in modern living spaces and evolving lifestyles.