Here's why:
* Shelves are typically arranged together (think of a bookcase), so it's less common to refer to them as a group.
* "Shelf" is a relatively simple noun, making it less necessary to use a collective.
You could use more general collective nouns like "collection," "array," "series," or "set" to describe a group of shelves.
For example:
* "The collection of shelves held a diverse range of books."
* "The array of shelves stretched across the entire wall."
Ultimately, the best way to refer to a group of shelves depends on the context and what you want to emphasize.