Do you love reading physical books but struggle to find ways to comfortably read without the book closing on you? Looking for methods to keep your books open while reading that won’t damage your precious hardcovers or paperbacks? If so, read on to learn how to hold a book open easily!
Whether you’re looking for methods that will help you hold a book open with one hand, help you read without pain, or help you read without accidentally dropping your book on your face while in bed (guilty!), these tips, techniques, and gadgets will make reading print books easy and comfortable!
1. Bend Your Book’s Spine (Not Recommended)
I know I said I’d share methods that won’t harm your books. But if you’re looking for a simple fix for holding open your paperbacks and don’t mind them getting messed up a little, bending/creasing your book’s spine is one way to easily hold your book open.
This is my least favorite method because it obviously puts more wear and tear on your book, but all you have to do is open the book up and then bend one half of the book backwards toward the other half. Some people even hold their books one-handed this way, with the pages folded all the way back on one side…but obviously this isn’t meant for a book you care about protecting or keeping pristine for your collection.
In a pinch, however—or if you only buy cheap books you don’t care about—then this method can help you out. It won’t work well for thicker books or hardcovers, though, and if you care about preserving your books then you’ll want to check out some of the other methods included on this list that will do a better job of helping you read while still keeping your books in excellent condition.
2. Use a Thumb Book Page Holder
When you’re wondering how to hold a book with one hand, a thumb book page holder should definitely be on your list of methods to consider! These inexpensive gadgets can be very useful in holding your book open with one hand.
There are lots of cool thumb book page holder designs to choose between, but they all help you hold your pages wide open for convenient reading (even when you have your book in one hand and coffee or tea in the other!).
To use, simply slip the thumb page holder onto your thumb, press it on the center of your book, and start reading. These book holders are also lightweight and very portable, making them easy to use and take with you anywhere.
Buy the thumb book holder now!
3. Attach Page Clips to Your Book
Another possible method for holding a book open is to use page clips—either ones made specifically for holding books, or using items you already have around your house.
Page clips work similarly to the thumb page holder idea, but instead of you pressing your thumb to the book to hold it open you simply clip the gadgets onto the pages. Some examples of items/gadgets you could use include:
- The DIY version—using large paperclips, pens with clips, binder clips, etc.
- Music Page Holder Clip (which you can repurpose to use for reading as well, and allows for semi-easy page turning depending on the thickness of the book).
- The Gimble Book Holder (an adjustable clip/bracket that holds the book open and allows easy page turning).
Options like these allow you more automatic holding open than the thumb page holder as you don’t actively have to press on the book. But you’ll also find some of these options (like the Gimble) allow for more easy page turning than others. So you may find some of the above methods more suitable for your reading habits and needs.
4. Use a Weighted Bookmark
Another helpful tool for holding open your book is a weighted bookmark, like this BookBone bookmark.
The weighted ends of this bookmark allow you to place it on your book and let it do the work of holding your book open for you. It comes with helpful instructions, but ultimately it allows you to read hands-free and turn the pages with one hand if you so choose.
Plus, as a bonus, you can also use it as a bookmark! So it’s a book holder and bookmark all in one.
Buy the weighted bookmark now!
5. Try Pillow Book Holders
If you’re looking for a hands-free book stand or wondering how to hold a book in bed or on a long car ride or anywhere else, then pillow book holders are an excellent option to choose!
I’m all about comfort, which makes pillow book holders one of my favorite ways to hold a book open easily. There are tons of options of pillow holders to choose from, but ones like The Book Seat and Peeramid are popular and do their jobs well to hold your books for you.
And, as mentioned, this works great for reading in bed, on the couch, on the go, when traveling or pretty much anywhere…and is beloved by both children and adults! So it’s a no brainer to try if you’re looking for a comfy way to hold your book open while you read.
6. Use Completely Hands-Free Book Holders
And lastly, if you’re looking for the best way to hold a book or wondering how to hold a book open without hands, then using a completely hands-free book holder is exactly what you’re looking for!
This is a good option for if you need to read for a long stretch of time or if you have health conditions that make holding books painful, and there are also plenty of other scenarios where book holders like these are helpful or make the most sense.
You’ll find there are several different options and styles to choose between; some options include the classic bamboo book stand, a more lightweight and portable plastic version, and an adjustable height book stand for more comfortable reading.
You’ll want to figure out when and where you plan to use your book holder most often, and that can help you decide which features you need. For example, do you plan to place it on your lap or on a desk? Do you plan to use it at home or sometimes take it with you places? Answering questions like these can help you determine which is the best option for you.
But regardless of which one you choose, using a completely hands-free book holder will help you hold your book open for long periods of time easily and without pain!