28 best gifts for librarians and library lovers you can get in 2023
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Libraries matter more than ever before. Here are the best gift ideas for a librarian or library lover in your life.
Every day, libraries around the world lend their patrons millions of items. Millions of books, ebooks, audiobooks, videos, or games. Millions of megabytes of free internet access.
A librarian is the ultimate search engine, and no Google web search algorithm will ever beat it.
Most importantly, opposite to any artificial intelligence, the librarians will be thankful for appreciating their work.
The list below includes library gift ideas for your librarian if you think saying “thank you” is not enough. Just keep in mind that maybe instead of gifting an item that says “librarian,” it’s good to search for more subtle or funnier ideas.
Some gifts are an excellent way to support your local library. Posters, badges, stationery, buttons, or magnets would be a great addition to community meetings.
And finally, these library-themed gifts and merchandise will share your love for libraries, just like book-themed gifts share the love for books and reading.
But there is one difference. Wearing a library t-shirt is, in fact, a way to promote libraries. It doesn’t only say you love books. It also says you care about them. Because the library is the most advanced way of caring for books the man has ever developed.
Best gifts for librarians and library lovers
1. Public Libraries Matter t-shirt and other items
Libraries and librarians matter – express that you support them with this vintage, golden and copper, design. The artwork is not too fancy, and it will suit library teams and lovers regardless the age and style.
It’s one of our most popular designs, so we made it available on a number of products, not only t-shirts, but also long sleeves, tank tops, tote bags, and even throw pillows.
The same Libraries Matter artwork is available on Redbubble on almost 80 products, including a full range of apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, caps), wall art, paper craft, and personal accessories, such as tablet sleeves, purses and travel mugs.
2. Librarian at Work bookend
Look at this wonderful little piece of home decor! It shows a librarian lady putting back the book on a shelf.
The bookend is made of steel, painted with matte black paint, and has silicone feet to prevent from sliding. Please note that this is just a single bookend (librarians are unrepeatable). If you want to have a pair, you will have to buy a second piece.
3. Monthly literary calendars
Some book lovers need sometimes a little reminder to reach for a favorite book or go to a library.
A literary calendar is a wonderful way to keep track with important events to celebrate and share with students or other book lovers.
These fun literary calendars include not only the most important dates and events, but also a reading challenge for each week, a fun fact, and a bookish quote.
4. A Truly Great Library tile pendant
What is truly great about this pendant is the statement: “A truly great library has something to offend everyone.”
The pendant is handmade from a Scrabble tile game piece. The image is adhered to the wood and sealed with a non-yellowing shiny dome finish. There are other catchy texts to explore.
5. On My Way to the Library t-shirt
Every day I go to the library is a happy day! You can share the love for books, libraries,… and bicycles by getting this vintage design on Amazon.
The text says: “On my way to the library. Happy Day!” and is shown on an engraved shape of a retro bicycle. Head to Redbubble to get On My Way to the Library design on over 70 products, including tote bags, travel mugs, purses, tablet sleeves, coasters, and wall art.
With a bike and library books, who would not be happy?
6. Library Lovers Day floor pillow
You can celebrate the love for libraries 365 days a year, not only during Library Lovers Day, National Library Month, Library Card Sign-Up Month, or National Bookmobile Day.
All you need is a humble reminder that you can visit a library (or its website) any time: return current books, borrow new ones, and check out upcoming events.
Take a look at a design saying “Celebrate Library Lovers Day Every Day.” This vintage-style artwork is available on Redbubble – and it means you can have it not only on t-shirts but also home decor, such as throw and floor pillows, posters, duvet covers, or blankets.
7. Library due date card pillows
Bring the iconic design of the library due date card to your living room, home library, or a reading nook. Best of all, it’s available in a variety of colorful variants.
“These library card pillows will have you waxing nostalgic for the days when the librarian would flip to the back of the book and hand stamp the due date.”
You can choose from eight available colors, from Orange, to Yellow, to Span Pink.
8. Go to the Library wall clock
A famous quote by J.K. Rowling – “When in doubt, go to the library” – is not right. There are millions of reasons to go to the library, not just one.
Check out a vintage design with a quote saying “You can go to the library even when not in doubt” in the Geek Updated store on Redbubble.
You can get the artwork on a t-shirt or hoodie (looks great!), but you can also have it on a mug, a set of coasters, a framed poster, or a sticker.
9. I Still Believe in 398.2 necklace
Library gifts don’t have to say “library” to be meaningful. In Dewey Decimal System, number 398.2 marks the section of the library that shelves folktales, fairy tales, and fables.
With age, our memories fade but the view of the library we visited in our childhood times, and these particular shelves full of dreams and adventure – unforgettable.
10. Librarian Appreciation Team badge
This handcrafted retro style badge says “Librarian appreciation team – welcome everyone!”. Library patrons and supporters can wear it not only during Library Appreciation Week, School Librarian Appreciation Day, or Library Card Sign-up Month.
You can have this design on over 80 different products, from badges and magnets, to posters, to t-shirts, to mugs, and home decor items. A light color variant is also available.
11. Neil Gaiman’s librarian quote
Here is a famous quote by Neil Gaiman – “Rule number one: don’t *** with librarians” – as heard in a library 😄
It’s available on almost 80 different products, from t-shirts to posters, magnets, buttons, water bottles, and mouse pads.
12. This is How I Roll keychain
This little keychain set includes a premium quality 316L stainless-steel plate with the sentence “This is how I roll” and a shape of a bookcase.
The set also includes a cute book pendant. You will receive the keychain packed in a soft cloth and a gift bag – ready for gifting!
13. Team 822 library system t-shirt
In the library catalog decimal system invented by Melvil Dewey in 1876, the books are assigned a classification number to easier find them.
According to Dewey’s original system, the works of the Bard can be found under the number 822. “Team 822” artwork is an uncommon way of saying you love William Shakespeare, while supporting the libraries at the same time.
The other variants are: Team Fairy Tales 813, Team Poetry 811, and Team Norse Mythology 293.
14. I’m a Librarian t-shirt
Here is a funny t-shirt offered by Cloby Lime on Etsy. The text reads: “I’m a librarian. To save time, let’s just assume that I’m never wrong.”
The artwork is available on a t-shirt, but also a hoodie and sweatshirt, in multiple colors, including Navy and Sport Gray.
15. Librarian bracelet on old-fashioned typewriter keys
From a popular Etsy shop, A Likely Story, comes a wonderful bracelet with a word “librarian” on replicas of old-fashioned typewriter keys. The bracelet features also nine book- and library-themed charms.
The bracelet fastens with a lobster claw and chain clasp, making it adjustable from approximately 7 to 9 inches in length.
16. Detailed library due date card mug
A lovely gift for a librarian or a library lover. This ceramic coffee mug is available in either 11 oz. or 15 oz, and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Most importantly, the mug features the design on both the front and back. The artwork is most probably a scan of a real library card, showing due dates ranging from the 1960s to late 1970s.
17. Retro library-style desk lamp
This timeless design resembles the lamps used in library reading rooms. It’s a perfect accessory for a home library or a bedroom.
The lamp features an all-metal base finished in satin brass. It’s topped by the clear glass shade in an iconic emerald shape. Most importantly, the lamp offers modern functionality: two USB ports allow you to charge your phone, Kindle, or a tablet.
You can activate the lamp by touching anywhere on the base, no need to find the on-off button. You can set up one of three ambient modes to create different ambient lighting.
18. Library due date necktie
From Cyberoptix comes a necktie with a vintage paper emulation of a library due date card design.
The artwork is printed on a silky-soft microfiber with non-toxic, water-based ink. You can choose from several colors and two necktie sizes.
“For a crisp new paper look, choose white or platinum. For a more aged paper feel, selecting cream or champagne would be a better choice.”
19. Log Out and Go to the Library T-shirt
Living a social media life may be too stressful and time-consuming. Log out of your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and enjoy living in a real life. Go to the library!
This vintage-style design in available on t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and over 70 merch items.
20. Personal library kit from Knock Knock
One of those classic library gifts no library-themed overview can miss. The kit will let use the old-fashioned library circulation techniques to keep track which books you lent and whom.
The set includes twenty self-adhesive pockets and checkout cards, date stamp with inkpad, and a pencil. It will be a perfect gift for a child, but the parents will have fun using it, too.
“For a bibliophile, there’s no greater pleasure than sharing beloved books, but no crueler pain than losing them for good.”
21. Library Book scented candle
Bring the addictive scent of an old library to your living room or reading nook. Library Book scented candle offers an intoxicating and rich blend combined with dry dusty notes of tobacco and spices, such as Baies rose and incense, supported by a woody base of cedarwood and sandalwood.
The candle is hand-poured in small batches, using all-natural soya wax. It comes in a metal box with a gorgeous floral design.
22. Old Library scented candle
From Candle Bros comes a Library scented candle offered in a minimalist modern glass jar.
When you light it, you will feel aromas and scents that are typical for old libraries: leather, vanilla, cedar, and amber.
The candle is made in small batches from 100% soy wax. With custom-sized, lead-free cotton wicks, it will burn evenly, allowing for a longer use time.
23. Librarian Phonetic Notation face mask
A minimalist design showing phonetic notation for the word “librarian,” taken from a Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The idea creates a funny context, especially on a face mask.
The artwork is available on almost 80 merch products, including mugs, desk mats, stickers, badges, and apparel. A great gift idea for a librarian.
24. Library check out dates tote bag
If you are never enough of the iconic library due date card design, you can have it on an eco-friendly tote bag – yes, the one you would use to return your books to the library.
This solid shopping bag measures 14.5 × 15 inches, is made of high-quality 12-ounce 100% cotton canvas, and has a reinforced bottom to handle heavy objects such as books.
25. Librarians Rock baseball cap
Libraries are the temples of knowledge because people who work there are extremely competent. But professionalism is just one of their multiple merits.
A vintage design with a text “It’s going to be a great day because librarians rock” is available on Redbubble in two color versions – light and dark – and can be ordered on almost 80 products, including baseball caps, mugs, stickers, and t-shirts. Which one you like the most?
26. Vintage library card catalog cabinet
Do you want to bring the look of an old library to your home? This 9-drawer wooden desk organizer looks like a mini library card catalog cabinet!
Each drawer has its own steel handle and label slot, inspired by the antic look of library cabinets. It is covered with varnish lacquer that’s tasteless and environmentally friendly. It arrives in one piece, so no assembly is required.
27. Slow Down and Go to the Library mouse pad
When you are working hard every day, and need a moment of calm, the best place to destress is the library in your neighborhood.
A calligraphic text “Slow down and go to the library” is surrounded by gentle, natural, floral ornaments. Plus, there are also additional passages: “enjoy life” and “keep calm.”
If you’d like to have this design on other products, you can get it from Redbubble. It’s available on posters, tote bags, purses, water bottles, mugs, buttons, and magnets, among others.
28. Vintage-style quotes about libraries
Libraries matter more than ever before. And more than ever before, they deserve to be promoted.
These attention-catching quotes about libraries and librarians were visualized in the nostalgic style of letterpress book covers, with each one presenting an enlarged caption in a bright color. The quotes were carefully selected from our list of the best quotes about libraries and librarians.
Each design is available on multiple merch items, from a simple art print, to framed posters, to magnets.
29. Libraries Matter More Than Ever Before t-shirt
Libraries and librarians matter today more than ever before! Express that you support them with this vintage design that’s suitable for all ages.
It’s a great gift idea for a librarian, a library supporter, or anyone who loves reading books. The design is available in a dark and light theme on a number of products, including apparel, tote bags, throw pillows, as well as iPhone and Samsung cases.
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Keep exploring. Here are other popular lists and tips for library lovers:
Book censorship in the 2021 by the numbers
– April 26, 2022
How to set up and organize a perfect home library (infographic)
– February 21, 2022
Library Lover’s Month – there are so many ways to celebrate!
– February 1, 2022
Quotes for library walls, inspired by retro book design
– January 21, 2022
The evolution of public libraries since 7th century BCE (infographic)
– November 19, 2021
Gifts for modern bookworms in 2023
Based on recommendations from top tech sites and customer reviews.
Vintage composition notebook iPhone case
This unique, intensive, pseudo-marbling composition notebook pattern with a preworn label is available on the latest iPhone cases in several colors, including green, brown, and purple.
Compact and innovative reading light
From a German brand Nachteule comes a clever book light that you attach not to a book but your reading glasses. It’s so light that you can also clip it to your earphones or hair accessories! The built-in battery will let you read 200 pages.
Hands-free pillow stand – great for e-readers and print books
An improved version of a popular Lamicall tablet pillow comes now with a side pocket for a pen or small accessories. The grooves are deep enough to hold a print book. It’s made of durable materials and is available in five fashionable colors.
