f97.be · Workshop & knowledge

My library

VoluminaX

After years of using Tellico to manage my book collection, I grew tired of its sluggish HTML search, so I built Bonk, a Python powered converter that transformed Tellico data into fast static pages with instant search.

VoluminaX takes that idea much further. It is now a complete desktop application with a clean graphical interface, powered by SQLite, and designed for everyday library work.

Book data can be imported automatically by ISBN from Google Books, complete with ISBN validation and a structured preview of the retrieved metadata. For comic collections, a dedicated CSV importer assists with cleaning entries, detecting duplicates, and standardizing titles and numbering before import.

VoluminaX also includes a versatile printing module for creating elegant physical records of your library. You can choose between detailed views, compact lists, or classic catalog cards, and include elements such as cover images, summaries, ISBN numbers, or personal notes. Output can be saved as a PDF, exported as HTML or text, or sent directly to a connected printer. This flexibility makes it easy to archive, share, or display parts of your collection exactly the way you want them.

The combination of digital publishing and traditional print options turns VoluminaX into more than a database. It is a complete library companion that bridges the tactile and the digital, keeping your books organized, searchable, and beautifully presented in every format.

The philosophy remains true to its beginnings, yet the scope has grown. VoluminaX still creates static, fast, and portable HTML pages, now supported by a powerful editor and a modern architecture that makes managing a personal library not only efficient, but enjoyable.

The name VoluminaX reflects both origin and ambition. Volumina is the Latin plural of volumen, meaning books or rolls, a reminder of how knowledge was once recorded and preserved. The letter X marks the evolution of Bonk into something larger, a complete ecosystem for managing and publishing collections. It stands for expansion, cross connection, and the quiet joy of working with many volumes, brought together in one intelligent and timeless library system.

Key Features

Intuitive Library Management: At the center of the app is a clean, responsive graphical interface built for everyday use. You can seamlessly browse, filter, search, add, edit, duplicate, and delete books directly within a dynamic table view. Because changes are saved instantly, organizing your collection feels natural and direct rather than like an administrative chore.
Lightweight Web Publishing: Publishing remains one of the application's core strengths. VoluminaX generates individual book pages and a searchable index that load instantly in any web browser. The resulting HTML is lightweight, highly portable, and ready to be hosted on any server.
Integrated Deployment: Getting your library online is effortless. A built-in SFTP and FTP uploader uses a simple JSON configuration to push your site live. To save time and bandwidth, it smartly skips existing files and provides real-time progress updates as it publishes.