{"id":8135,"date":"2022-08-15T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=8135"},"modified":"2026-04-16T18:36:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T01:36:01","slug":"what-are-bookplates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/what-are-bookplates\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Bookplates and How to Make Yours Special"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is a bookplate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bookplate, or “ex libris,”<\/a> is a personalized label that can be found on the inside cover of a book. Many have custom designs and can show the author’s signature, the owner’s name or a special dedication. The first bookplates appeared in Germany shortly after the invention of moveable type by Johann Gutenberg around 1440-1450. The earliest known bookplates were stamped with woodcut designs but the creation of labels simplified the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Labels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Why are bookplates popular?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many people, bookplates let them add a little bit of their own personality to their collection. Although eBooks and audiobooks are convenient, there’s something special about holding your favorite story in your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter how many times you move or where you go, there’s a good chance you always have space to bring your favorite books with you. And personalized bookplates help make your collection feel extra special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a bookplate used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bookplates are most often used to note ownership, display the author’s signature or to show a dedication. These personalized bookplates also have specialized designs that are unique to the person or institution they belong to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, individuals and libraries use bookplates to show proof of ownership. The phrase “ex libris” is something you will often find on the bookplates of personal libraries, which translates to “From the library of.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When an author needs to sign hundreds of books at once, it’s much easier to sign a stack of bookplates than a stack of books. You can then sell and ship these bookplates individually, rather than having to pack and ship books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use bookplates as a dedication for an achievement or event. For example, commemorative bookplates are great rewards for students but can also be used to remember loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are signed bookplates valuable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many bookplates are extremely valuable. Authors use collectible bookplates when signing their work and many notable people use bespoke bookplates for their personal libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2015, the historian and collector James M. Goode auctioned off thousands of priceless bookplates<\/a> from notable historical figures. His floor-to-ceiling collection included bookplates printed by Paul Revere, wolf-design bookplates for Jack London and bookplates from Albert Einstein’s personal library that showed a man surrounded by a swirling cosmos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But apart from historical and collectible value, bookplates can hold personal value for your friends and family as well. Just imagine your great-grandchildren discovering your favorite book and finding your signature in the distant future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In addition to personal libraries and author’s signatures, bookplates are also a fantastic way to add dedications for students, friends and family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where do you put a bookplate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, bookplates are usually found inside the front cover (on the “front end sheet”) or on the blank page at the beginning of the book (also known as the “front flyleaf”). They will usually be positioned towards the bottom third of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But feel free to be creative and put your bookplates wherever you’d like. For example, you could put your bookplates on the inside back cover or end sheet so that you only see it once you’re finished reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need a little help knowing exactly which part of the book to place your bookplate, we’d recommend checking out a guide on book anatomy and definitions<\/a>. Hardcover and paperback books are assembled differently so the terms and placement can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best labels to use for bookplates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best bookplate material will vary depending on your books and needs. Traditionally, the best size of label for a bookplate will be around 4″ x 3″. However, they can also be 1″ x 2″ or a 2″ x 2″ square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, choosing the right label material can add an extra dimension. If your library has a rustic or boho vibe, kraft brown labels<\/a> can add an earthy quality. Or if your place has a modern aesthetic, glossy clear labels<\/a> can bring a futuristic sheen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need some inspiration, here’s a couple different ways to pair different materials with different aesthetics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n