Tools for Readers

Reading isn’t exactly the sort of activity that requires a lot of accessories. A book (naturally) and a good place to sit and you’re well set.

But for serious readers (and those who might be looking for a gift for a serious reader) there are a few specialised tools out there that can make your reading time even more luxurious, efficient, and effective.

We’ve collected a few of our favourites below.

Pens and Pencils

Many readers like to take notes as they read, which means they need a fine writing implement close at hand. I favour pencils, especially my favourite Blackwings, but we carry a variety of pencils, a few interesting pens, and an assortment of lovely pencil cases and sharpeners to keep your thoughts on point. 

Bookmarks

Although people can, and do, use just about anything as a bookmark, serious readers often like to have dedicated tools for the job — and there are any number of designs to choose from. We offer a line of handmade bookmarks, made in New Zealand by a local artist.

Book Weights

A book weight is a close cousin of a paperweight, but usually designed as a bar with weights at each end, to help keep a book open on a table or countertop. They’re generally made of leather and can even be monogrammed or personalised for that special touch. A perfect gift for the researcher who needs to hold a book open to a particular page — or a cook whose newest cookbook keeps closing on her while she’s trying to look at the next step in the recipe.

Book Light

Book lights are perfect for the partner who loves to stay up late reading in bed while the other would prefer to get some shut-eye. They tend to be portable, battery operated, and clip to your book (or some you wear on your person) to provide a small, bright pool of light exactly where you need it. They’re also handy for travellers who can never be certain if the hotel room or airline will have adequate lighting.

Flat-fold Reading Glasses

For those of us whose arms are somehow no longer long enough a pair of reading glasses can be an invaluable reading accessory. We’ve just brought in these attractive flat-fold readers. The clever double hinge means they can fold absolutely flat and tuck into a pocket, a slim case to fit into any bag or drawer.

Book Darts

Some people take great pleasure in marking up their books with highlighters, underlining, and adding their own marginalia — and some are horrified at the very thought of marking a book!  For the latter group, book darts are an elegant way to mark a page, a paragraph, even a line without damaging the book. The thin metal clips slide onto the edge of the page and point at exactly the place you want to remember. They’re thin enough they don’t interfere with the pages of the book — even if you place many while reading — yet you can easily find the page you marked with the tip of a finger or thumb. Also excellent for habitual library readers who don’t want to mark a loaned book. 

Notebook Strap

A notebook strap is a loop of elastic with a place to hold a pen or pencil that can be slipped over the cover of any book or notebook to keep your other favourite reading tool — your favourite pen or pencil — at the ready. They can also be used to keep a notebook, book, or journal closed in your bag, to prevent anything splaying the pages in transit.

Notebook or Journal

Speaking of notebooks, many readers like to make notes as they read, and a fine notebook is as important a tool to their reading experience as the book itself.  We carry a selection of the finest notebooks we’ve found worldwide, with something for just about every taste. 

Tote Bags

A strong tote bag is essential for any reading enthusiast who might need to carry their latest haul home from the bookshop or library. We carry a collection of quality bags with cheeky sayings to handle all your book transportation needs.

Reading Log

While there are online tools that can help maintain a running list of books read and to-be read, we like the old-fashioned satisfaction of writing things down on paper, which is why we designed our very own Mrs Blackwell’s reading logs. A lovely analogue way to document which books you read this year, or over any span of time. 

Personalised Library Accessories

Finally, if you’re the sort of reader who likes to share one’s books (not all readers are!) then personalised library stamps, embossers, bookplates, or stickers can help ensure that your books return home. Wonderful for teachers who maintain classroom libraries and collectors who maintain their own at-home libraries. We’ve also just developed our own Record of Books Lent, an analogue companion for your at-home library to keep track of where those beloved copies are being enjoyed. 

Have a favourite book tool we’ve missed? Let us know! We might need one for ourselves…