What is HearthShelf?

HearthShelf is a replacement UI for AudiobookShelf (ABS) — a self-hosted audiobook server you already run on your network.

Field	Value
Domain	hearthshelf.com
Type	Static SPA served via nginx in a Docker container
Backend	Your AudiobookShelf server
Target	Browser (desktop-first, responsive)
Language	TypeScript

What it is

HearthShelf is only the face. Your ABS server stays exactly where it is and keeps doing everything it already does — managing your files, transcoding audio, tracking progress. HearthShelf replaces the web UI that ABS ships with a redesigned, browser-first experience.

All of your library data comes from ABS via its REST API. HearthShelf has:

• No file management
• No transcoding
• No copy of your library, progress, or sessions - those always live in ABS

HearthShelf does keep a small backend of its own (QuestGiver) with an embedded SQLite database for HearthShelf-specific state only - app settings, AI recommendation config and history, and request/feedback data. It never duplicates your ABS library.

What it is not

HearthShelf does not replace AudiobookShelf itself. You need a running ABS instance to use HearthShelf. Think of it as a theme — but one that runs as its own container.

The relationship

Design direction

• Dark by default — warm near-neutral dark surfaces on a #1b1a18 base
• Ember accent — a single warm accent color (#e0654a) used sparingly
• Desktop-first — designed for the browser, responsive enough for tablets
• Libre Baskerville brand wordmark — editorial serif for a warm, bookish feel

AudiobookShelf

HearthShelf is built on AudiobookShelf v2.x. Point the slim image at a server you already run, or use the all-in-one image, which bundles AudiobookShelf so you don't have to run it separately. Learn about ABS.