How to Make a Closet Into a Bookshelf Library

Remove the existing shelves, rods and hardware inside the closet. Patch any holes left behind with spackling compound. Paint the interior a light color to make the closet library seem brighter.

Measure the height of the closet. Determine where you want your highest and lowest shelves to go. For the top shelf, consider how easily you or your child will be able to reach the books with or without a step stool. For the lowest shelf, determine whether you want to leave space at the bottom for a reading area or to store additional items.

Calculate how many shelves you will install based on the placement of the top and bottom shelves and the amount of space you want between the shelves. Use the books you plan to put on the shelves as a guide for your spacing.

Mark the location of each shelf, starting at the top shelf and working down. Take into account the thickness of the shelf board when measuring down for the location of the next shelf. Using a level, draw a line across the closet as a guide for installing the shelves.

Measure the length of each shelf. Cut the boards to size for each shelf. Sand and paint the shelves if desired.

Screw two end shelf brackets to the wall for each shelf, and add a middle bracket for extra support if needed. Screw the shelves onto the shelf brackets.

Install a brighter light fixture in the closet if the current fixture doesn't illuminate the area well enough. Place a battery-operated lamp that doesn't get hot on one of the lower shelves to add more light for reading. Remove the closet door completely to allow the light from the room to light up the book titles.

Place floor pillows or bean bag chairs in the bottom of the closet if it will be used as a reading nook. Add a short bench for storage and to use to reach higher books.