It may sound silly, but books are having a moment. With #bookstagram, #booktok, and people posting their “shelfies” (pictures of their books shelves) on social media, people are investing and showing off their home libraries. This pastime that was wrongly characterized as “uncool” in the past is now taking center stage.

However, books aren’t cheap, and creating a home library is an investment. Before dropping a stack at your local bookstore to create a library that even makes Belle from Beauty in the Beast envious, there are steps you should take. Read along to learn how to create a literary paradise in your home.

1. Take inventory of the books you have.

If you’re thinking about starting a home library, chances are you already have several books in various places throughout your home. You may have forgotten what books you have. Gathering all the books together gives you a starting point to know what you have and what you want.

2. Purge books you no longer need.

Old textbooks from college? Multiple copies of the same book? Books that you didn’t finish (and never plan to)? “Marie Kondo” your current collection and let go of books that no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose. You can sell them online to get some money back. Or you can donate to friends, schools, thrift stores, and the library (especially those cute free little libraries around your town). Before getting rid of your books, check inside to see if there’s anything tucked away that you may have forgotten about.

3. Consider how you want your library to look.

Having a library is functional home decor. While it provides reading material and a way to pass the time and relax, its colorful covers and spines also decorate the home. Consider what you want your “shelfie” to look like. Are you okay with mixing paperbacks and hardcover books? Are you looking for a regal look and only want leatherbound books? Have an idea of what you want your library to look like.

4. Decide on new additions to your library.

Now that you only have the books you want, decide which additional books you want as a part of your library. It could be books from your childhood or books you’re constantly checking out of the library. Make it personal by choosing books that are meaningful to you. Some books have different covers, format choices, or even page edge options, so research your options and pick what would fit best for your library. If you’re unsure about purchasing a book you haven’t read, check it out at the library to see if it’s worth the investment.

5. Decide where you’re going to put your books.

You may already have built-in shelving in your home that would make a perfect library. Or you might need to get bookshelves. Look at the furniture you already have in the room where your library will be and pick bookshelves with a finish and color that would complement what you already have. You can also further personalize your library with book ends and knickknacks.

6. Protect your library.

Humidity can do a number on the books, causing mold, warped spines, and page curling. But there’s no need to get a huge, loud dehumidifier to protect your books. Pick up some moisture-eliminator containers to decrease the humidity surrounding your books. You can even hide them behind your books so they won’t be an eyesore. Remember to replace them when they are full of water.