Starting Our Baby’s Library—with Bookplates and Memory Cards
When my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to build her a library. Not just a shelf of books, but an extra personal collection of stories that would encourage her to be curious and want to learn about the world.
I also wanted to share my love of holding a physical book in your hands with her and give her the chance to enjoy the sentimentality that can be attached to that.
I decided it would be nice to use custom bookplates to document for her where each book that entered her collection came from. I thought that these bookplates could be stuck inside each book so that every time she opens it, she can be reminded of the story behind how the story entered her collection.
I knew that she wouldn’t keep every book forever. So I decided to make these bookplates removable so that when a book is loved but inevitably retired or passed on, the bookplate can still be kept in a special file as memento.
I used Canva to design simple bookplate cards, using standard business card dimensions (85 x 55mm). I went for business card size because they’re easy to print pretty much anywhere, and fit neatly into the front of a book.
Each card says:
From the library of [my daughter’s name]
Then underneath, three little prompts:
Title (in case the card ever migrates)
Date (because time is a blur)
From (whether it’s a gift, a charity shop treasure, or one of those “just because” impulse buys)
I chose to have the cards printed on textured 300gsm Tintoretto Gesso card stock with Printed.com to give them a timeless luxurious feel.
I didn’t want to glue anything into the books permanently so I found these little clear business card pouches. They’re mini sticky sleeves that can be applied and later peeled off. I’ve popped one on the inside cover or back of each book, ready to slide a bookplate card in.
I also picked up a simple business card holder book to create a mini archive of those books that were loved but passed on. Every time we retire a book, we’ll take the bookplate out and slip it into the holder instead.
Some books will come from special friends, others will be spontaneous “just because” buys, and a few will mark big milestones like first family trips or birthdays. I hope we’ll create a patchwork of lovely little stories—not just the ones in the pages, but the ones wrapped around how they came to be hers.
