Printable Bookplates for Book Lovers to Organize or Gift

Organize your personal library by adding your name to these printable bookplates or add personalization to a book you’re giving as a gift.

We’re a family of book lovers and naturally have a lot of books. I’ve been working on a system to organize our library collection, which is spread out all over the house.

If you have a lot of books, it can be handy to label them with who they belong to. Not only does this keep the kids from fighting over a certain book, but it makes it a bit easier to lend a book to a friend.

When I was a kid, I had these pretty vintage bookplates that my grandmother gave me. There was a little black cat and the words “Ex Libris” – which means from the book – and a line to write my name.

I decided the easiest way to organize our books with their owners was to make some bookplates of my own.

How to use a bookplate

Bookplates, aka book labels, are simply a way to write your name inside the front cover of a book. They would also be a cute way to personalize a book that you’re giving as a gift. There’s enough white space on these for a personal message if you like.

I designed a set of bookplates with a stack of books on a small card. You can print them on card stock and tape them into the book cover or print them on sticker or label paper.

Bookplates with washi tape

I was a bit nervous to add something that was 100 percent permanent to any book, even one I plan to keep forever, so I printed these on card stock.

Then I cut them out and taped them inside my books with washi tape. Washi tape is thin, light, and easy to remove without damaging whatever it is stuck on.

Most washi tape is acid-free (but check yours to be sure) so it won’t leave any residue on your book over time. You can also purchase specific acid-free tape, commonly used for scrapbook and photography projects.

Bookplates with removable labels

I know some people would prefer a peel-and-stick label to use as bookplate stickers, so I also sized the design to fit Avery Removable Labels #6464. I haven’t personally used these removable labels in my books, but the description says they can be easily removed, even from paper. (They are not acid-free though.)

Get the printable

The bookplates are available to download in 2 sizes. The regular ones measure 2.5×3-inches (8 to a page); the Avery-sized ones are 3.33×4-inches (6 to a page).

What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:

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