Gadgets for Booklovers

One of my favorite new toys is a lightweight plastic book holder, called a Gimble. It comes in two sizes for use with standard-sized paperback books, allowing hands-free reading in bed, in the bathtub, or on the train. When not holding the book open, it makes a handy bookmark. It takes almost no space in my backpack or briefcase. At $7.95 for both sizes, it’s a must have. The only drawback is that it won’t work for hard cover books. I bought mine at the Tattered Cover bookstore, and Barnes and Noble also carries it, but it was out of stock when I looked today. Check your local bookstore or find it online.

At my desk or a table, I use the Fellowes wire book stand, which works for just about any size book, soft or hard cover, and holds the book at the appropriate angle for reading. Using it at a restaurant always attracts attention from other booklovers, who frequently stop to ask me where I got it. Available at some office supply stores, it costs a reasonable $4.95. I found mine on the internet for about half that and ordered in bulk. A friend bought an even dozen and gave them to everybody on her Christmas list.

# # #