📚 The best apps to organize your personal library

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Have you ever found yourself buying a book... only to discover it's already at home? Ah, the reader's tragedy! If your bookshelf looks like a jungle, you're not alone! Today we're going to get things organized (without stopping dreaming) and discover... The best apps and websites to organize your personal library like a real librarian… but without a coat.

I've already told you. It's important. organize your library…

I promise that by the end of this article, you'll know exactly which tool is right for you, whether you're an avid collector, a casual reader, or a digital ebook explorer. But be careful, this isn't just a list: it's an invitation to think about how you read, how you store your books, and what you need to enjoy your reading passion even more.

🧠 Why should you organize your books?

Beyond the aesthetic pleasure of seeing your shelves organized (which is already quite a lot), having a catalog of your personal library helps you to:

• Avoid duplicates.
• Know what books you have borrowed (and to whom…).
• Track your reading progress.
• Rediscover forgotten gems.
• Enjoy your collection more.

Organizing your library isn't just for neat freaks anymore. It's for anyone who loves books and wants to fully enjoy them. And the good news is that there are Apps and websites for all tastes and techie levels.

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📶 The best apps to organize your library (according to your reading profile)

Spoiler alert: some are free, others cost a few euros, and there are some hidden gems you'll love.

📱 If you have an iPhone or iPad…

🔝 Book Buddy (9/10)

Book Buddy It's a highly rated app for iPhone and iPad readers. It's designed for those who want complete control over their personal library, from scanning books to tracking borrowing.

Advantages:

• Quick scan by ISBN or barcode.
• Detailed loan tracking.
• Reading statistics (books read, genres, most frequent authors).
• Completely in Spanish.
• Backup and sync with iCloud or Dropbox.

Disadvantages:

• Only available in iOS.
• It does not have an ebook reader or integration with Kindle or e-readers.
• Some advanced features require additional payment.

Price:

Free up to 50 books; Pro version one-time payment (approx. $5) to unlock unlimited books and all Pro features. No monthly subscription required, making it a great value for large collections.

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✨ Book Track (7.5/10)

Book Track It stands out for its simplicity and elegant design. It's perfect for those who want to keep their to-read list up to date without overcomplicating things.

Advantages:

• Modern and very visual interface.
• Easy management of reading status (reading, read, to be read).
• Custom lists and iCloud sync.
• Translation into Spanish and other languages.

Disadvantages:

• Only 5 books can be added in the free version.
• It does not allow exporting lists or custom labels.
• Does not include loan function or detailed notes.

Price:

Free to try (up to 5 books); single payment from approximately $5.99 to unlock unlimited books and full functionality. No recurring subscriptions.

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📘 Leto (6.5/10)

Leto It's an extremely simple app, ideal if all you want is to bookmark what you're currently reading. Don't expect advanced features, but do expect a minimalist experience.

Advantages:

• Ideal for those looking for a simple app.
• Basic reading progress tracking.
• Clear and distraction-free interface.

Disadvantages:

• No statistics or advanced organization features.
• Does not allow batch scanning or data export.
• Only available in English.

Price:

Free to download. Many features appear to be included as standard; others can be purchased in the Premium version of the app.

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🤖 If you're on Android…

📗 Book Catalogue (7/10)

Book Catalogue It's an open-source app highly appreciated for its simplicity and reliability. If you use Android and don't want to spend a fortune, this could be your ally.

Advantages:

• Free, no ads, no subscriptions.
• Barcode scanning.
• Export to CSV and manually sync with Goodreads.
• Translation into Spanish.

Disadvantages:

• Very basic interface.
• Occasional failures on some devices.
• Infrequent updates.

Price:

Free and open source. It has no ads or paid versions, it's completely free.

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📘 Bookshelf (8.5/10) ⭐⭐⭐ [My Favorite]

Bookshelf It's one of the most visually complete and functional apps for Android and iOS. Ideal for organized readers who love to see their books neatly organized.

Advantages:

• Attractive and modern design.
• Batch scanning and cloud synchronization.
• Custom shelving and labels.
• Available on Android and iOS.

Disadvantages:

• English only.
• Some advanced features require a subscription.
• Does not integrate with Goodreads.

Price:

Freemium. Free with virtually all features; subscription Premium ~$1.49/month for extras and supporting the developer. It doesn't require high fees for basic use.

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📚 Libib (8/10)

Libib It's an excellent multi-platform option, designed for both casual readers and those who also collect other media such as music or movies.

Advantages:

• Free up to 5000 books.
• Fast scanning and web editing.
• You can catalog other media (movies, music, etc.).

Disadvantages:

• Loan management only in Pro version.
• Interface in English only.
• Some limitations when tagging in the mobile app.

Price:

Free In its basic version (allowing up to 5,000 items per library and up to 100 different collections, more than enough for individuals). The plan Libib Pro costs around $9/month (or $99/year), but it's not required for standard personal use. The mobile app itself is free.

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💸 CLZ Books (7.5/10)

CLZ Books It's a professional tool that can handle large collections with pinpoint precision. If you value detail and don't mind paying, it's a great choice.

Advantages:

• Very professional and precise.
• High customization and detailed statistics.
• Synchronization between mobile, web and desktop apps.

Disadvantages:

• Requires annual subscription.
• Complex interface for casual users.
• Available in English only.

Price:

Paid (subscription). CLZ Books requires a subscription of approximately $1.99 per month or $19.95 per year. Offers a short trial period. Subscription provides access to the mobile app with synchronization and the basic web platform.

If you want the desktop software (Book Collector), it's a separate purchase or subscription; in fact, Collectorz offers bundles. In short, it's the most expensive option on this list, aimed at those who invest in managing their collection as a serious hobby.

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💻 Would you prefer to do it from your computer or your browser?

🌐 LibraryThing (8/10)

LibraryThing It has been a favorite among the most diligent readers for years. It offers an experience close to that of a real library.

Advantages:

• Detailed and flexible.
• Partial Spanish translation.
• Ideal for large and demanding collections.

Disadvantages:

• Limited mobile app.
• Complex web interface for new users.
• Smaller community than Goodreads.

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🌍 Goodreads (7/10)

Goodreads It's the ultimate social network for readers. While it's not a pure cataloging app, it's still a great tool for recording readings and discovering new books.

Advantages:

• Large reading community.
• Challenges, reviews and recommendations.
• Spanish support and barcode scanning.

Disadvantages:

• Limited as a deep cataloging app.
• Somewhat cluttered interface.
• Social content can distract from practical use.

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📈 The StoryGraph (6.5/10)

The StoryGraph is a modern alternative to Goodreads that features statistics and analysis of reading mood. It's very useful if you read with purpose and are looking for variety.

Advantages:

• Detailed visual statistics.
• More data-focused alternative to Goodreads.
• Growing community.

Disadvantages:

• It does not allow scanning or cataloging physical books.
• Interface in English only.
• Does not include lending features or a physical library.

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🔍 Which one should you use?

The best tool for organizing your library is the one that fits your reading style. Here's a quick guide:

• 📦 You have hundreds of books and you love the details: LibraryThing either Book Crawler.
• 🤳 You love beautiful and easy apps: Bookshelf either Book Buddy.
• 🆓 You don't want to pay a cent: Book Catalogue (Android) or Goodreads (cross-platform).
• 📖 You read mostly digitally and like to take notes: Gerty either Caliber.
• 🗂️ You are a methodical and visual reader: Libib either Bookshelf.
• 👨‍🏫 You have a library to share (or lend): Book Buddy, CLZ Books or even Libib Pro.

💬 And you, how do you organize your books?

I'd love to know. Do you use any apps not on this list? Do you prefer pencil and paper? Are you thinking about creating your own system with Notion or Excel?

Let me know in the comments or write to me on social media. I'm preparing a downloadable visual guide with the best apps by reader type... and who knows, your advice might appear in it!

📌 Remember

Organizing your library doesn't have to be a punishment. It can be the beginning of a new relationship with your books. It's no longer just about reading more, but about reading better, with intention... and without losing sight of what you already have.

So the next time you look at your bookshelf and think, "What do I read next?" your app will have the answer.