I always have a books in my sims homes. But more than half of the time I use the small objects : the books between two bookstands. The patch that made those functional was a game changer for me. There is also a pile of books on the floor (requires cats en dogs) that is functional as a bookcase and I love that as well.
https://i.imgur.com/jjFwCgg.png
When it comes to bookcases I like the ones that can be put next to each other without a gap between them. I try to avoid using move objects to place them. My recent favourite are the ones from growing together because they fit nicely together and each wood color is given twice, with different colored books to make them look less repetitive.
I don't use cc bookcases, or any other cc furniture. I feel I have enough choices and use the small book items if nothing fits.
The only bookstore I ever created was a magical store that sells magic tomes so I can select which spells my spellcasters learn. I also added regular books with magical themes (novels that came with RoM). Next to books, spellcaster can also buy wands, brooms, potion ingredients and outfits fitting for spellcasters on this lot.
https://i.imgur.com/N0Na9Nu.png
The shop was only owned for a short while to set items for sale. After that I sold it again. Sims can still buy things there and they are restocked next time I visit the lot but I don't play the shop owners.
