HitchcockBlonde, I know what you mean about your apartment looking like a library! When I was in college I lived on my own in a 1 bedroom apartment, and I ended up with 5 full bookcases packed full (with books doubled up in a second layer, and stacked on top). People didn't have anywhere to sit because my books were more of a priority for me than seating was. lol
When we moved to our new home, getting rid of my books (we now have only 2 full bookcases) was one of the most painful things for me.
I do the same thing with my purses. If it can't fit a paperback, I'm not buying it.