Useful Bookshelves
by Synran
Useful Bookshelves gives the bookshelf block a larger capacity, so a single block holds far more books than a vanilla shelf.
What it does
Some bookshelves in the mod store many more books than the vanilla block, and the mod adds several bookshelf types made from different planks and materials, up to a variant crafted from an iron block. Each book sits in its own slot with a 3D model, and the shelf displays which books are stored, so a stored book can be seen without opening the block.
The bookshelves act as a special container for books, holding more than a normal chest slot would. They remain compatible with the enchanting table in the same way as the vanilla bookshelf, so the stored books still supply enchanting power. The mod can also hold books added by other mods, and it runs on client and server, so the server and every player need it. Files are published for NeoForge only, for 1.21.1, with 1.1.7-release as the latest file from 2025-07-22. The source code is open source under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.
Key features
Large book capacity
Some bookshelf variants store many books each, far more than the vanilla block allows.
Material variants
Several bookshelf types are crafted from different planks and materials, including an iron block version.
Book models in slots
Each stored book is shown with its own model, arranged so players can see which books are on the shelf.
Quick storage
Holding a book in the main hand with a paper in the off hand and shift-clicking the shelf stores the book in the first free place.
Other mods' books
Books added by other mods can be placed on the shelves, and they can be taken back out by the same means.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
How it compares
Chiseled Bookshelf Visualizer is open source under the MIT License and covers Fabric, NeoForge and Quilt 1.20 – 26.3, so it targets a wider version range than this mod. Wooden Accents Mod is not open source, uses a custom license, and covers Fabric and NeoForge for 1.19.4 – 1.21.1, both client and server. Better Exp Storage is not open source, uses the WTFPL, and is NeoForge only for 1.21.1 – 26.1.2, with the same client and server environment.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Useful Bookshelves | NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2025-07-22 |
| Chiseled Bookshelf Visualizer | Fabric, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.20 – 26.3 | Client and server | 2026-10-04 |
| Wooden Accents Mod | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.19.4 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-09-26 |
| Better Exp Storage | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 26.1.2 | Client and server | 2026-08-01 |
Questions
Does Useful Bookshelves need to be installed on the server?
Which loader does Useful Bookshelves use?
Can a bookshelf in this mod still power the enchanting table?
In the catalog
Useful Bookshelves is one of 4,058 Storage mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,794 Storage mods for NeoForge. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
Similar mods
What the author says
how I wish I could find a better place to store all my enchanting books. # Here! there is a nice thing for you, my bookshelves! ## a special container to store books the bookshelves can store a little bit more than a normal chest ## each slot with unique 3d model and details when you put a book in a slot you could…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/useful-bookshelves
- Owner
- Synran
- Published
- 2025-07-04
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-07-22
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15