Reading Accessories | Books & Reading

People who like to read almost always like to own stuff that has something to do with books. They may buy these accessories for themselves, they may collect them or they may like getting them as gifts. Although this may not seem like a major sector in the book world there are actually all kinds of accessories that may help make reading more enjoyable.

Some people, for example, like bookmarks. They may collect them or they may simply have a few dotted round the house (hopefully marking their place in books!). Others may like to put bookplates inside their books (which can be very handy when lending books to other people as they cannot claim ownership when asked to return them!). Other options here include book lights -- these gadgets are small reading lights that generally clip on to the top or side of the book. They can be really handy when someone wants to read in bed without disturbing someone else! And, of course, many people like to buy book stands to hold books open at certain pages -- this can be useful when reading a large book at a table or when using a recipe book, for example.

Things to think about when buying bookmarks and reading accessories
There is an awful lot of choice when it comes to buying bookmarks and reading accessories. The bookmark market, for example, contains hundreds of different kinds of options which can make it hard to choose just one bookmark -- especially if buying as a gift. Bookmarks nowadays come in all shapes, sizes, colours and even smells (yes, you can even buy scented bookmarks now!). It is even possible to arrange to have a bookmark personalised.

As well as standard paper and card bookmarks, readers can also opt for charm style versions. These bookmarks are usually made of metal or a soft material -- they are designed to mark the page but to hang over the edge of the book so that they look decorative as well as serving a useful purpose. Another option here is the clip-on bookmark which is a clip that holds the place. These are most often made from metal or plastic.

In today's brand orientated culture, it's also possible to buy all kinds of branded bookmarks which is always good news for collectors! The majority of bookmarks here will be biased towards children's characters, films and TV shows. So, for example, there are all kinds of Thomas the Tank Engine and Harry Potter bookmarks for sale nowadays.

The other major reading accessories include bookplates, reading lights and bookstands. Again, bookplates come in all shapes, sizes and designs from classic styles to kid's TV shows. Reading light styles also vary -- some are quite large and some quite tiny. People who read a lot of paperbacks may only need a small light whilst those who read larger books may be better suited with a larger model. As with all electrical goods here it is wise to only buy products with a safety accreditation -- look for specific ratings such as the British Safety Institute's Kite Mark, for example. This shows that the light has been checked and passed as safe and suitable for home use.

Bookstands, again, come in various sizes and designs. Some, for example, are simply plastic stands that are designed for kitchen use with recipe books -- buying a plastic stand here is always useful as it can be wiped down easily when the inevitable spills hit the stand! Other options here go up to quite ornate wooden stands. And, as with all other reading accessories, it's quite easy to find personalised options here which could make for a great gift.

Buying bookmarks and reading accessories second hand
Although a bookmark may not seem like an obvious choice for a second hand purchase people might be surprised at how many bookmarks are out there on sale. Many of these will be in pristine condition -- they may be offered for collectors or may be being sold simply because they were an unwanted gift.

It is always harder to judge quality when buying second-hand goods online -- in a shop, at least, it is easy to see the accessory. But, ask questions and ask for photos to see what state the accessory is in before buying. If it is still in its original packaging then this obviously won't be an issue.

If buying an electrical accessory online then check that it works OK. Most people will be truthful when asked a direct question here. It never does any harm to ask why people are selling bookmarks and reading accessories and, getting a valid reason will usually mean that the sale goes OK. For example, some collectors will sell on duplicates, some people sell reading accessories if they buy new ones or find that they have no use for them and some are simply selling off duplicate gifts. Finally, although this may seem an obvious question to ask, check when buying bookplates that they haven't been used already!