Libraries and Art: A Fantastic Mashup
My library job has me blissfully surrounded by books on the regular. I can’t help but pause and read the book jacket blurbs – even on books I would normally ignore, like Amish romances, (who knew they were so popular!) Ted Cruz bullshit, and hardboiled detective novels.
In celebration of National Library Week in 2 months lol, I decided to feature some of my favorite library-inspired items and creative uses for libraries. In fact, one of my favorite places to escape has always been libraries, so if you feel the same, you’re in for a treat.
Super-cool retro-style UFO bookplates – We Are Not Alone, UFO Sci-fi Personalized Ex-Libris Bookplates, Crafted on Traditional Gummed Paper, 3in x 4in, Set of 30 bookplates
Graphic Novels – what the what with the explosion of graphic novels, especially with the teens. I mean, sure, there are loads of boobs and whatnots in many graphic novels, but I remember getting all excited to read Judy Blume books as a kid, and I’m pretty sure that helped fortify my love of reading. YOKAI
I’m pretty sure everyone over 40 needs these, even if you don’t lend your books out, you’ll just want to have these sitting around for nostalgia’s sake. Library checkout cards and pockets checkout cards
Art Books – If your budget doesn’t allow for regularly acquiring big gorgeous art books, your library can fill in the holes. And art books are forever. Meaning, they don’t go out of style, so you’ll always be able to find some great creative inspiration in those big, heavy, beautiful books. New Surrealism
Get your kids started early. I mean, yes, with reading, but also with slapping cute book labels inside of their favorite books. Children’s Bookplate Stickers, boxed Set of 16. giraffe book labels
Laser Printers for making transfers! I have spent many an hour in a library using their copy machines or laser printers. It takes the special toner in these machines to create the best transfer prints.
Picture Books – Children’s picture books, being chock full of illustrations, can and do offer up so so so much visual inspiration. Even if you aren’t an illustrator, soak in the colors, art, movement, design from the books and let it all percolate in your imagination.
Book page embosser – This creates the most beautiful embossed stamps to brand your favorite books or gift to your favorite book-lover. link
Custom Ex Libris Book Stamp – Inspired by Dark Academia? This book stamp will add a special mysterious flavor to all of your books (but especially your collection of 19th c. poetry. link
Little Free Libraries: Surely you’ve seen Little Free Libraries sprouting up in yards and businesses over the years. The creativity and love that goes into making (and maintaining) some of these beauties is an artistic feat!
