How do I install the spines mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `SPINES_API_KEY`, `SPINES_API_URL` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Spines MCP Server

Access book collections, reading lists, and bookshelf recognition from AI assistants.

Local serverstdio

What is the Spines MCP Server?

Access book collections, reading lists, and bookshelf recognition from AI assistants.

The short version

Add to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows):

Search books by title, author, or ISBN
Browse and filter book collections
Manage reading lists (add and remove books)
Explore personas and categories
AI prompts for shelf analysis and book recommendations

What it needs from you

Node.js 18+ - A SPINES API key (get one here)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
search_books	Search for books by title, author, or ISBN
get_book_details	Get full details for a specific book
get_collection	Get a book collection with all its books
list_collections	List your collections with optional filters
list_categories	List all approved book categories
get_persona	Get details about a persona
add_to_reading_list	Add a book to a reading list
remove_from_reading_list	Remove a book from a reading list

How to install the Spines MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "spines": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@spines/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "SPINES_API_KEY": "your-value",
        "SPINES_API_URL": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Add to claude_desktop_config.json, then restart Claude Desktop.

Configuration

Node.js 18+ - A SPINES API key (get one here)

Variable	Description	Required
SPINES_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
SPINES_API_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes

Example prompts to try

“Use Spines to search books.”
“Use Spines to get book details.”
“Use Spines to get collection.”

Frequently asked questions

Access book collections, reading lists, and bookshelf recognition from AI assistants. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.

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