Bookmarks, Part II

In my last post I discussed using bookmarks to keep your place in a book as opposed to dog-earring pages, which causes damage.  Going one step further, I'm going to address the subject of bookmarks themselves--what is appropriate to use as a bookmark and what isn't.

Generally, bookmarks are rectangular slips of paper or card stock that you put between the pages of a book to keep your place.  Other acceptable bookmarks include thin metal bookmarks (the kind you buy in bookstores), ribbons, or even crocheted strips.  The reason why all these forms are appropriate is that they do not harm books in any which way or form.

Sometimes, we don't have a suitable bookmark available, so we use whatever is handy.  In a pinch, we may use any of the following items: a (clean) tissue/napkin/toilet paper, a receipt, an airline boarding pass, a postcard, a Post-It, an envelope, a business card...I think you get the idea.

Things you should NOT use as a bookmark under any circumstances include toe tags, grass, dandelions, clumps of cat hair, socks, toothpicks (even unused ones), guitar strings, bacon (raw or cooked), or any other kind of food.  Th bottom line--don't use anything as a bookmark that could damage a book.

If you've purchased and own the book, you could theoretically do whatever you want with it (although I'd like to think you'd treat it with care).  However, if it's a library book, please make an extra effort to keep it in the same condition in which you borrowed it so that others can enjoy it as well.

Speaking for the safety of books everywhere from the perch.