We’ve rounded up ten bookworm essentials to help you read more this year.
If you ask anyone in my family to describe me in one word, they would all say the same thing: bookworm. I’m that girl: the book girl, the girl who is passionate about fictional characters and lives in fantasy worlds, has a book in her hands and her heart in the clouds.
Here are my bookworm essentials.
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Audiobook Subscription
Audiobooks add cosiness (or drama, if you prefer) to the most mundane activities: long commutes, errand runs, meal prepping, chores. I listen to an audiobook whenever I’m working on routine tasks. Listening to a narrator share a story helps turn ordinary, little moments into something special and enjoyable.
I used to have an Audible membership (Audible is like a Netflix-for-audiobooks), but I’ve since switched to Libro.fm, an Audible alternative that allows you to support an indie bookshop through your membership.
I also listen to audiobooks on Libby, a free app that gives you access to e-books and digital audiobooks through your local library (some libraries use Hoopla and OverDrive instead).
Library Card
If your memory of libraries involves fines, know that many libraries have since moved towards a fine-free model (you can always check before you sign up for a library card).
Libraries are for more than just children’s books; they are wonderful third places that center communities and offer access to free books.
More extensive city libraries often also provide museum passes (so you can see local attractions for free), a movie and TV show catalog, and help with health and financial literacy.
Barnes & Noble (Free Tier) Membership
Barnes & Noble recently changed its membership model to include a free tier! You collect stamps for every ten dollars you spend on a purchase, and you accumulate five dollars of Barnes & Noble store credit for every ten stamps you collect. Since the free plan was introduced, I decided not to renew my regular Barnes & Noble membership (which has been rebranded to Premium Tier).
If you shop at Barnes & Noble frequently, I would definitely recommend signing up for the free tier membership.
Bookmarks
I’m the mood reader in the middle of a dozen books at once, so bookmarks are a personal must! I love the bookmarks available on Etsy, like this bookshelf bookmark that doubles as a reading log.
Reading Journal
Reading journaling is part of my self-care routine. It’s dedicated time for me to reflect on books I’ve read in a fun and creative way.
I use The Clockwork Reader Journal to record all of my bookish thoughts. This guided reading journal provides space to record my favorite quote, where I was when I read a book, the most memorable scene in a story, and my biggest takeaway. I use the blank space to doodle and jot down any extra quotes I love!
Shelves
If you have books scattered around your home in piles (I still do), you’ll definitely want a shelf to keep them organized.
I use the standard IKEA Billy bookcases. I also have this tree shaped bookshelf in my living room (the cutest little tea house in Fort Worth, Leaves Book & Tea, has this style of shelving in one corner, and I was definitely inspired by their design). These Pinterest-inspired floating bookshelves also look cute!
Tote Bag
Whenever I’m heading out, I slide my current reads into a simple canvas tote bag. My go-to tote is the Cavallini Floral Tote (this bag is sturdy enough to hold all my books).
I also recently stumbled upon a photo of this tote. I love that the bookworm essentials illustrated on the tote are basically the same as those on my list (I guess book lovers think alike).
Kindle Paperwhite
E-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite are rapidly growing in popularity, and I can see why. I read faster on my Kindle because the font is larger (and if it isn’t, I adjust it to be). I still miss the smell of physical books and the sound of turning pages, but I can’t deny how much reading on a Kindle has helped me read more.
I don’t have a Kindle Unlimited subscription; I borrow most of my e-books from Libby. But, if you like romance books and your library doesn’t have an extensive romance selection, I would recommend looking into the Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Reading Light
Sometimes, I don’t want to put down a story. I just want to keep reading late into the night. And a reading light enables that decision (it also enables my lack of sleep, but we’ll worry about that on another day). I use this reading light and love it.
Mug
My last bookworm essential is one that will make every reading experience just a little cozier. It’s a mug filled up with a hot drink, steam rippling above the rim. There’s something incredibly soothing about a late night cup of chai and a good book.
love cute mugs?
Here are our top Amazon mug finds:
- Jane Austen Mug: perfect for fans of Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion, this mug from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild features Jane Austen book quotes
- Elephant Mug: an adorable elephant shaped ceramic mug with a nook for storing a tea bag
- Book Club Mug: this mug illustrated with spines of classics is from Rifle Paper Co, the same company that designed the Puffin In Bloom classics collection covers.
I couldn’t agree more! As a fellow bookworm, I’ve found that having the right essentials on hand makes all the difference in enjoying a good read. From cozy throw blankets to book lights, these little extras can turn a good book into a great experience. Thanks for sharing your picks – I’m definitely going to try some of these out!