Book Accessories: Are They Really Worth It?

Physical books reign supreme, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP). The majority of book sales in September 2023 were hardback and paperback books. While eBooks and audiobooks provide convenience and comfort, there is something about feeling the weight of the book and the pages as you flip to the next. You feel more immersed in the story, and seeing it on your bookshelf is a fantastic feeling (to me, at least). 

Due to the majority of sales being physical books and the rise of social media, book accessories are the new trend. Book accessories are a fun way to interact more and engage with reading.

You may be right if you think it’s a giant waste of money and consumerism at its peak. But let’s not discuss that, shall we? Here are some book accessories to look into. 

Booklights

Booklights are the most useful, in my opinion. They attach to your book, provide a dim light, and you can read whenever! If you like to read at night and have a partner who needs to sleep, a book light is a great tool. Here’s the booklight I use all of the time. No more squinting in the dark!

Bookmarks

A classic. People use many things to mark where they left off (post-its, receipts, even the controversial page bending). A nice, fun bookmark can decorate your reading. There are many kinds of bookmarks: traditional paper, magnetic, calendar, corner, charms, etc. Homemade bookmarks are really fun to make, so check out this tutorial I have tried! 

Reading Journals 

I love a good reading journal. It allows me to process and remember the book I just read. You can expand on your thoughts and rate the book on how well you liked it. There are guided reading journals with prompts to fill out, or you can make your own with a plain notebook. Many people use Goodreads as their “journal”, but I like having a physical journal, so here’s the journal I’ve been using. 

Book Sleeves

A great way to protect your book while traveling is to have a book sleeve! There are so many designs out there; I know many people who crochet or knit their own. Paperbacks can get easily damaged when in a bag or backpack, so having a protective sleeve is lovely. 

Book Page Holders

Reading with one hand has never been easier with a book page holder. Thanks to its ergonomic design, you can comfortably hold your book in one hand with minimal effort. This one isn't my favorite since I don't read one-handed, but if you do, you can find some cute ones on Etsy.

None of these are essential to enjoy reading, but if you want to take your reading to the next level, try one of these out. Many of these options are affordable or can be made by hand. Book accessories are worth it; you just have to find the right one. 

Happy reading!