Gifts for library/book lovers

{Updated Nov 2011: renewed links and added photos!}

Being a library and/or book nerd myself I know that sometimes we are hard to shop for. We have somewhat particular, if not peculiar, tastes and most people think that, if it's worth reading, we've probably read it already. While that is not always the case I thought I'd provide a couple of gift ideas for the nerd on your list.

1. Don't be afraid to give a copy of your favourite book or something you recently read that you loved. Books are ALWAYS welcome and if you go the extra step and add a personal inscription, the gift will be extra special.

2. Since most book nerds have large collections, their friends tend to want to borrow books from them. Need an easy way to keep track of what you've lent out? Try the Personal Library Kit.

3. Any book nerd will tell you that they have long lists of books to read and sometimes it's hard to remember all of them. This Book Lover's Diary provides one handy location to record all of the books that you've read, are wanting to read, quotes that you like as well as other information.

4. Sometimes even the most well-read person gets stuck for something to read. An easy place to turn to for recommendations are books filled with just that. Book Lust by Nancy Pearl or 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die by Peter Ackroyd are two such books.

5. Most library nerds I know are really into anything that is aesthetically pleasing. Candida Hofer's Libraries is a hefty hardcover book filled with gorgeous photos of libraries from around the world - a lovely addition to any coffee table. Another popular option is this Renaissance Library Calendar. {Updated Nov 2011: no longer available.}

{This is the UK cover, but frankly I think it's nicer.}

6. And, as we all know, reading IS sexy. Let your nerd proclaim it loudly with this t-shirt by Sarah Utter. (Here's the guy's version.) Another option for the grammar nazi in your life is this bad grammar makes me [sic] shirt.

Happy Giving!