BOOKPLATES Ex Libris is Latin for "From the Library of. "   Bookplates are  self stick labels to put inside a book or book collection, identifying ownership of your library, big or small. Reminds borrowers to return them. For those with roommates, or in college dorms, bookplates clarify ownership. We have classic designs, kids, and contemporary art. Great gifts for Christmas, holiday, birthday, graduation, new baby personalized gifts A great gift for serious collectors, nice for kids too as well as something practical and timeless for your own collection!

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What Are Bookplates?????

Bookplates are labels put inside books, to clarify ownership of the books.

Before the printing press was invented, books were handwritten for the church and the wealthy. Ownership may have been handwritten in the book or the books protected by chains.
After the printing press, books were more available to those who could read. Books were still valuable - mass productions were not available and books were a valuable part of an estate.
Special crests were sometimes woodburned or otherwise placed in the book to declare family or church ownership.  Eventually bookplates became available.  Churches, businesses and individuals might have their own bookplates designed and placed inside the books.  
Bookplates today are used for many reasons.  Some are given as gifts, to encourage readership in babies and young children. They are given as rewards to children who are becoming readers.  Authors like to use bookplates at booksignings.  People who donate a loved one's book collection or give books in a loved one's name often use bookplates In Memory Of.... College students use them to avoid the confusion of books in dorm or apartment living with other students who may have the same books.  People with large book collections, and those who lend out books, like to have their names in the books for easy return.
Encourage book reading!  Give bookplates!

Regular pressure sensitive bookplates for Friendly Spirit, Heritage and Antioch are manufactured by Antioch Publishing Company, Yellow Springs, Ohio. Gummed bookplates were made by Kid Stamps, a Cleveland based company. ALL copyrights belong to the company or the artists. Large copyright or the word sample shown on some bookplates does NOT appear on final product. --  

Affixing Bookplates