Home libraries are wonderful storehouses of learning, creativity, and fantasy, as well as attractive additions to any décor. What better way to celebrate Library Lovers Month than to create your own in three easy steps? The whole family will have fun with this project, and if you live in one of Lennar’s Broward communities, you’ll find that your spacious home design lends itself perfectly.
The first step is to define the scope of your home library. Do you want something small and cozy nestled in your family room, or a more elaborate setup that lives in its own dedicated area? The estate homes of Lennar’s Cascata at MiraLago in Parkland, many of which feature a ground-floor bedroom, lend themselves beautifully to formal libraries. The stunning 4,095 square-foot Sommerset, for example, incorporates a fifth bedroom right off the foyer, which could serve as a dream home library. Bookcases or built-ins lined with books, comfy leather armchairs, and an inviting desk for when you’re inspired to pen your own stories, will orchestrate the perfect atmosphere.
But even in a less vast home, you can create a cool reading nook with some shelving, inviting seating, and a small table or two. At Lennar’s Magnolia Trails, a new townhome community in Davie, Florida, open designs allow for creative adaptations of the space. Consider the Oakhill a floorplan that incorporates a 22’X11’ family room as well as an expansive combined living and dining room. While either one of these areas could easily accommodate a library, if you have children the family room might be a better choice.
There, under your watchful eye, the kids can sink into beanbags with their favorite reads and snacks, while you enjoy preparing a bite of dinner in your open contemporary kitchen. (As an aside, Lennar kitchens are storybook perfect, offering stainless steel appliances, ample countertops, and beautiful cabinets in your choice of designer colors!)
Once you’ve decided on the scope of your project, the next step is to seek inspiration at your local library. Residents of the Edge on 15th, Lennar’s new townhome community in Fort Lauderdale, will find they are only about three miles away from the fantastic Broward County Library. This great resource—which offers literary expos, book signings, classes, events for kids, and much more–also houses the Bienes Museum of the Modern Book where rare manuscripts are kept.
Speak with your librarian about books he or she recommends for your family. Depending on the age of your kids, suitable books could range from Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter and such timeless classics as Treasure Island, Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, and the beloved C.S. Lewis Narnia collection. Of course, you can also borrow library books, but it’s certainly nice to own select literary collections, family favorites, and frequently consulted reference books. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether a certain read is appropriate for children, turn to Alexa, part of the Smart Home Technology wired into every new Lennar home. She can effectively act as your private librarian, helping with everything from researching titles and reviews, to even reading audio books!
The third and final step in creating your home library is going to great book-buying destination to acquire your treasures! Broward County has some outstanding options, beginning with Barnes and Noble, offering perhaps the greatest variety of book titles. Another must-visit bookstore is the Old Florida Book Shop, where you’ll find rare books and magazines, antique maps, and a charming atmosphere that lives up to its name! For bargain hunters, used books of all genres are sold at the Big Apple Bookstore in Fort Lauderdale.
The books are bought, your space set up, and everything is in place for the family to enjoy its new home library! Remember that desk we suggested, where you might decide to write your own tale? We think you’ll find that living in a beautiful Lennar community, many with amenities that range from resort-style pools to gorgeous lakes, offers all the creative inspiration you’ll ever need. We’d love to talk about starting an exciting new chapter in your family’s life!
