Book Spines - Wood and Ceramic

Friends of the Folsom Public Library (CA) offer library supporters a choice of wood or ceramic book spines. Donations to the Children's area yield a ceramic book spine with one line of text; Donations to the Adult area cost 3x more for a wood book spine with two lines of text.

Wouldn't a border or shelves of wooden book spines be a fun indoor entrance to a library? Each year, it could grow. This could be good way to make school libraries more visible -- they often have no fancy signage, even though all students and staff know where it is. My experience as a visitor to school campuses is that after registering at the office, I ask students to point the way to the library. Someday, I'd like to see a "book" trail to the library -- painted, wood, or ceramic book spines would really make a statement that schools are academic institutions.

Decorative Wood Book "Shelves"

Several years ago, a library conference exhibitor promoted a fundraising program where supporters would buy a wood book spine with their name on it, and the collection of big and small, variously colored book spines would evenually go on a library wall. I loved the idea at the time and just remembered it, so went searching online. I'm getting close. In the meantime, here is a fun fake book shelf that caught my fancy.

Worthington Library Book Panels are decorative wood book spines in a wood book case. There are 3 models. The website says the 'shelves' can be used to disguise a door or secret passageway! Sounds fun.

Another decorative or "faux" book shelf company is The Dummy Book Company. According to their website, "Our faux book products have graced everything from television and movie studios to the finest homes, hotels, yachts and restaurants. We have been featured in numerous magazine and print media publications." This might be a good way to upgrade an eggshell painted wall or walls of a meeting room.

NOTE: Item added to hotlist, Gift Guide for Library Lovers.