If you love to read you might want to consider creating a “reading bag”. This is a place to keep your current read(s), whether they be physical books or on an e-reader, as well as other items to support this hobby and make it extra fun and cozy.
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Create a Reading Bag
What is a “reading bag” and why might you want one? While all you really need in order to read is a book, there are associated items that make it more fun or pleasurable. If you want to really elevate your reading experience, sometimes it’s fun to accessorize.
But from a purely practical standpoint, keeping your reading items together in one bag or tote means you’ll have everything you need when you settle in to read. No more getting all cozy to read only to realize you left your reading glasses in another room.
It’s really helpful if you tend to read in multiple locations, either in your home or at a coffee shop or library. And if you travel fairly often, it’s super convenient to know that all of your reading supplies are already “packed”, so to speak.
So if any of these reasons resonate with you, read on for exactly how to create your very own reading bag.
What to include…
The bag
Many of us are becoming more aware of excess consumerism so I encourage you to use something you already have. Most of us have extra tote bags, old purses or maybe a travel toiletry bag you aren’t using lying about that would work just fine for a designated reading bag.
I’m using a really cute bag I had bought from Happy Planner many years ago. It’s intended to be a planner bag that holds a planner, stickers and all sorts of planner accessories. While I love the idea, I just never could get into that level of planning. But the bag is so adorable that I hung onto it. Now it has been repurposed into my reading bag. It’s no longer available although I’ve seen them on eBay and Poshmark. Here is a photo of mine:
But again, look through the bags you currently have. I’ll bet you have something that will work just fine. And if you DO want something new and cute, consider putting it on your birthday/holiday wishlist.
E-reader
Do you have an e-reader of some type? Many people do these days. There are a variety of types of Kindle devices, as well as other brands such as Kobo or Nook. Additionally, one can read books on tablets such as an iPad or Amazon Fire.
I have an old iPad mini that we got free with an iPhone years ago. I intentionally didn’t download any social media apps to it and have used it exclusively for reading. I have the Kindle app on it, as well as Everand. It has worked fine for that purpose for years but unfortunately it can no longer be updated to support the Everand app anymore. I did just discover that I can access my Everand library via a browser, though.
I also have an older Oasis Kindle (Generation 9) that my son-in-law gave me when he bought a newer version for his mom. It still works perfectly and I’m not a fan of updating tech items just for the heck of it.
Physical book(s)
While I appreciate the convenience of an e-reader, I’m still a physical book girl at heart. I love the feel of a real book in my hands and have a rather extensive home library. In general, I always have at least one physical book, one e-book, and one audiobook going at any given time.
Bookmarks
Sure, any scrap of paper will do but a proper bookmark is so much nicer. There are an almost infinite number of possibilities. You can make your own. Many bookstores give them away with a purchase. You can use a ribbon, length of yarn, a postcard, or maybe a printed photo. Use your imagination!
Book light
If you plan to read a physical book in bed at night or in a low-light situation, a book light is a must. I’ve tried a few versions but this is the one I really like and it’s not very expensive:
Reading glasses
I’m at that age when I need reading glasses. I mean, I can read most things without them but it’s way easier with a bit of help. If you are reading on an iPad or other tablet, you may want blue blocking glasses, even if you don’t need readers. I even have a pair of readers that are sunglasses (called “sunshine readers”) for reading outdoors.
If you wear glasses or use readers, you might also want to include a lens cleaning spray and cloth to keep those lenses sparkling clean. And of course, some sort of bag or case to keep them from getting scratched.
Eye drops
And while we are talking about our eyes, let’s add a bottle of eye drops. I have Sjogren’s Disease and one of the (many) symptoms includes dry eyes. I have bottles of eye drops all around the house and in my purse. It only makes sense to have some in my reading bag, as well. But even if you don’t have a medical condition, you might occasionally have a bit of eye strain or itchy eyes from allergies. Just something to consider.
Chargers
If your reading bag includes an e-reader, book light or any other device requiring a charger, do yourself a favor and put them in your bag. Even if you have one plugged in somewhere in your home, an extra in your bag is handy.
Magazines
Does anyone else still read magazines? I have currently have subscriptions to Victoria, Louisiana Cooking and The Atlantic. If, like me, you enjoy reading a physical magazine, toss one or two in your reading bag. Or perhaps you enjoy comics or graphic novels. These deserve a place in your bag, too.
Reading journal
I keep track of books read on both Goodreads and The StoryGraph but I also like to keep a written account in a reading journal. One of my kids gave me one for Christmas this year. In the past I’ve just used a plain journal. Any small notebook will do.
Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters
If you keep a reading journal you’ll at least need a pen or pencil. Some will also enjoy using colored markers. And if you are one who highlights favorite passages in your books, add a few highlighters, too. If you have more than just a pen or two you might want some type of pencil case to hold them.
Book annotation supplies
If you are into annotating your books, your reading bag is the perfect place to keep annotating tabs and special highlighters. This is a trend I’ve not gotten into but I know it is becoming quite popular.
Commonplace book and/or notebook
If you keep a commonplace book, consider tucking it into your reading bag so it’s handy if you want to copy down book quotes. Or just throw in a small notebook in case you run across something you want to remember later or perhaps a word you want to look up.
AirPods, earbuds, headphones, noise cancelling ear plugs
If you listen to audiobooks you might want some type of earbuds or headphones. And if you sometimes read in a noisy location, noise cancelling ear plugs come in very handy.
Book sleeves
A padded book sleeve will protect your book if that’s important to you. Maybe you are reading a rare or first edition book. Or do you have a friend you share books back and forth with as I do? If I have borrowed a book, I try to be very careful to return it in the same condition in which it was lent to me. Etsy is a great place to find really cute book sleeves or if you sew, you can make your own. This is something I’d like to try one of these days.
Gum, mints, hard candy
I’m not a big snacker but sometimes a mint, piece of gum or hard candy is nice to have. My favorite hard candies are Werther’s caramel coffee flavored candies or those individually wrapped butterscotch discs.
Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
I recently saw a YouTube short where someone used a wipe on the cover of a library book. I was rather shocked by how filthy it was. If you often borrow library books or purchase used books, you might want to wipe the cover or sanitize your hands after handling it. This might be particularly important if you snack while reading.
E-reader fun accessories
I’ve been seeing a lot of videos of people who really get into accessorizing their e-reader. A cover seems obvious but there are also stickers, dust plug charms, pop sockets, hand straps, page turners, and probably many more items I’m not even aware of.
Personal care items
Here are some other items you might want to keep in your bag:
- hand cream
- lip balm
- tissues
- a hair clip and/or hair tie
- nail file/emory board
- cuticle oil
- inhaler (for my fellow asthmatics) or any other emergency meds you might need
I’m sure this isn’t an exhaustive list for reading-related items you might want in your reading bag but it should give you an idea of what to consider. You certainly don’t need all of these things – just include what you actually use. And then enjoy your reading time!
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