30 Gifts for Book Lovers
Juniper Books Curated Sets & Jackets
Looking to add a little extra wow to your bookshelf or desk, or searching for a nice set of books to gift? Check out the beautiful, creative book covers from Juniper Books. I first discovered their “Read Me” classics set (on the top shelf in their photo above) a few years ago; the set includes works by Dostoyevsky, Hugo, Dumas, and Poe. A few other of my favorites are below, but they have dozens to choose from, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. For a couple of popular series, you can purchase the book jackets alone. They also do custom projects, which look amazing!
I’m so happy to have discovered these pretty bookplates and ex libris medallions from Felix Doolittle. The eye-catching label designs are based on artist Felix Fu’s watercolor illustrations, with varied themes: nautical, equestrian, botanical, musical and, of course, reading and writing. Several, like the “sweet dream” and “favorite things” bookplates, seem perfect for a children’s book collection, and any of them would make a lovely gift for a book-loving friend (or a little treat for yourself). Speaking of treats, their Fall and Halloween collections, including the “nuts for reading” squirrel bookplates, are currently 15% off with code TREAT.
Looking to buy a vintage library card catalog? Craigslist, Etsy, eBay and flea markets are all great places to look. For those searching right now, here are over 20 library catalogs currently for sale on Craigslist and Etsy. Happy hunting!
Library card catalogs on Craigslist
72-drawer card catalog in Monkton, Vermont, $100
Several 2 to 6-drawer catalogs in Oak Lawn, Illinois, $110-$225
15-drawer catalog in Livingston, Louisiana, $199
72-drawer in Danville, Indiana: $400
18-drawer catalog in Edwardsburg, Michigan, $425
60-drawer card catalog in West Memphis, Arkansas, $500
30-drawer card catalog in Norwalk, California, $575
Four 15-drawer units in New Mexico – Willing to ship if you pay freight, $580 or best offer.
30-drawer in Terre Haute, Indiana, $750
30-drawer card catalog in Roswell, Georgia, $800
72-drawer card catalog from Yale University in Hamden, New York, $900
Four 15-drawer card catalogs in Tempe, for $2,999
Three 30-drawer catalogs in Eugene, Oregon, $4,500
Library card catalogs on Etsy
Brooksvale Artisans is selling several larger catalogs as well if your budget is higher.
Looking for great gifts for book lovers? Here are 15 book-inspired gift ideas that avid readers will love.
And of course, Penguin’s fine editions with covers designed by Coralie Bickford Smith.
If you’re in the Austin area, Julie is selling a 30-drawer card catalog: 33″ x 38″ and 47″ tall, and two pull out shelves per side. She shares: “It was in use in the UT library for a while, so it has the normal chips, wear and tear that come with age and college students. I also have a few drawers full of the cards that came with it if those are of interest to anyone.” The photos are of a duplicate card catalog she’s currently using. If you’re interested, you can contact Julie through her original Craigslist ad, or if you post that you’re interested, I will email you directly with her email address.
~Barbara
Barbara is trying to sell 2 library card catalogs in Western Pennsylvania. One is a 60-drawer and the other is a 30-drawer. These are from a university library and are mid 1950s. She has all the brass rods that held the cards in place but they aren’t all showing in the photographs as they’re using the card catalogs to store other items. She says they’re in pretty good shape. If you’re interested, please contact Barbara directly at bdoll_pa@yahoo.com
