In this quote, Anthony Powell is highlighting the value and worth of books in a room. He suggests that books have the ability to provide a room, meaning that they can improve and enrich the space in a manner that physical furnishings can not. Books are not just challenge be put on shelves, but they hold understanding, stories, and ideas that can transform a room into a location of knowing, imagination, and inspiration. Powell's quote also indicates that books have the power to create a sense of comfort and warmth in a space, making it a more inviting and livable area.