Creating Themed Book Club Bookmarks for Each Read
Table of content
- 1. Key Takeaways
- 2. Why Themed Bookmarks Belong in Every Book Club
- 3. Ideas by Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, and More
- 4. How to Make Bookmarks by Hand (With or Without Art Skills)
- 5. Designing Digital Bookmarks You Can Print or Share
- 6. Bookmark Themes Based on Your Discussion Topics
- 7. Including Quotes and Page References That Stick
- 8. Bookmarks as Book Club Keepsakes or Gifts
- 9. Organizing a Bookmark-Making Session at Your Club
Key Takeaways
- Themed bookmarks help book clubs visually capture the mood or message of each book.
- They’re a great keepsake, discussion starter, or club tradition.
- You can create them by hand, design them digitally, or use free templates.
- They're perfect for both in-person and virtual clubs.
- Easy to tie into genres, characters, quotes, or themes.
- You don’t need to be an artist or designer—just thoughtful and creative.
Why Themed Bookmarks Belong in Every Book Club
Themed bookmarks do more than save your spot in a book. They add personality to your club, spark discussion, and make each title memorable.
- Bookmarks can reflect the emotions or visuals of a story.
- They're a small but meaningful gift at meetings or milestones.
- They make it easy to recall favorite quotes, page numbers, or predictions.
Bookmarks can also encourage note-taking or quote-saving—great for reflection and revisits. They become mini-mementos of the reading journey, much like scrapbooks or journals.📖 Try these ideas after reading 5 Questions to Spark Engaging Book Club Discussions.
Ideas by Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, and More
Matching your bookmarks to a book’s genre is an easy way to build a consistent aesthetic.
| Genre | Bookmark Theme Ideas |
| Fantasy | Map details, magical creatures, runes |
| Romance | Pastel tones, pressed flowers, love quotes |
| Mystery | Fingerprints, red strings, secret messages |
| Sci-Fi | Starscapes, neon shapes, AI symbols |
| Memoir | Vintage textures, handwritten notes |
For inspiration, check out The Top 5 Book Series to Dive Into Right Now.
How to Make Bookmarks by Hand (With or Without Art Skills)
No need to be crafty. Just use what you already have:
- Materials: Cardstock, scissors, glue, washi tape, markers.
- Simple add-ons: Printed images, stamps, ribbon tassels.
- Protect it: Use packing tape or a laminator for durability.
Steps:
- Cut a strip (2x6 inches is standard).
- Add a quote or genre motif.
- Decorate the edges with tape or borders.
- Punch a hole and add string or ribbon.
Want some inspiration? Try using lines from Fun Bookish Facts Every Book Lover Should Know as your base quotes.
Designing Digital Bookmarks You Can Print or Share
If your group is mostly online, digital bookmarks work just as well.
Tools you can use:
- Canva Free Bookmark Templates
- Google Slides or PowerPoint
- Photopea (free online Photoshop alternative)
Tips:
- Use your book club name or initials.
- Keep designs clean for printing.
- Leave space for notes or date of meeting.
You can also upload your design to a Google Drive folder for members to access and print at home.
Bookmark Themes Based on Your Discussion Topics
Tie bookmarks to your discussion theme for each month:
- Justice: Scales, courtrooms, protest imagery
- Grief: Rain clouds, memory jars, paper cranes
- Love: Envelopes, polaroids, hands reaching
- Time travel: Clock faces, portals, spiral shapes
You can pair theme choices with books like those in Books That Help with Stress Relief and Relaxation.
Including Quotes and Page References That Stick
A good quote makes a bookmark meaningful.
Here’s how to collect them:
- Keep a sticky note inside your book while reading.
- Ask members to vote for a favorite quote.
- Use Goodreads Quotes to find extras.
Be sure to:
- Always credit the author.
- Keep quotes short—ideally under 20 words.
- Choose lines that connect to the story’s deeper message.
Bookmarks as Book Club Keepsakes or Gifts
Bookmarks make perfect club anniversary gifts or reading milestones.
Examples:
- “First Read of the Year” with the date
- “Most Debated Character” award-style bookmark
- Holiday-themed versions for December books
Link them with ideas from Why Books Make the Perfect Gifts and How to Create a Personalized Book Gift Box.
Organizing a Bookmark-Making Session at Your Club
A bookmark night can be just as fun as a discussion session. Here's a sample agenda:
| Time | Activity |
| 00:00 | Welcome and book intro |
| 00:15 | Share favorite quotes |
| 00:30 | Create bookmarks (individually or in pairs) |
| 01:00 | Group photo and wrap-up |
Prep list:
- Craft paper
- Glue and tape
- Pre-printed quotes
- Markers, ribbons, scissors
You can get more activity ideas from Beyond the Book: Fun Activities for Your Club.
What size should I make a bookmark?
Standard is 2x6 inches, but you can also go 2x7 or 2.5x8 for more space.
How do I protect my handmade bookmarks?
Use clear packing tape, contact paper, or a laminator.
Can I sell bookmarks made from book quotes?
Only if the quotes are public domain or you’ve gotten permission. Otherwise, use them for personal use.
What’s the best way to store bookmarks from previous reads?
Punch a hole in each and thread them onto a ring. You can also keep them in a photo album or journal.
