In yesterday’s post I mentioned that I plan to read more actual books this year, as opposed to reading web pages. This resolution partially comes from my visit to Strand Bookstore in New York City a few weeks ago. My friend, Kirk, warned me that I was going to freak out when I went in there and he was so right. This store is heaven right here on earth.

In preparation for yesterday’s post I went to their website and I discovered that they will sell books by the foot. Did you hear that?? Books by the foot! The intention is to create instant libraries.  From their site:

“Strand Book Store should be your first and last stop. We assemble decorator collections in any subject, including art, biography, reference, law, music, theater and classic literature. We’ve put together libraries for hundreds of clients, including the Plaza hotel, Steven Spielberg, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Working with you, we will custom design a library that is sure to be a perfect match for any home or office space, one that will please the eye and satisfy the mind.

Designing a film or theatrical set on a tight schedule? Contact us right away. We are the experts, with a long tradition of sales and rentals to the entertainment industry. We guarantee a 24-hour turnaround on most orders, and will arrange car delivery to locations in New York City.”

The most expensive antique leather books will set you back $400 a foot.

But for only $30.00 you can specify a color choice and they will pull books that meet your needs.  (Can you imagine how interesting this could be?  Think lime green books and grape walls on a dark bookcase or fuchsia books and turquoise walls on open steel shelves.)

The cheapest, Bargain Hardcovers, are $10 a foot.  New Art books are $250 but used Final Sale Art Books are only $75!  I am so tempted. 

What do you think about this? Is it cheating? Or is it just another decorating strategy?