Bye, Bye Bookends? April 25, 2013

Can Ivan Zhang’s design for his Ultraminimal Bookshelf put the bookend alongside the book on the endangered list?Imagine no more propping books up or lying them down to prevent books from falling over. “We usually tilt the last book on the shelf in order to prevent the books from falling. Likewise, a wide variety of bookends are on the market for the same purpose…This natural shape of Bookshelf’ makes conscious rectification unnecessary.” The bookshelf is…

Making Space for Reading

Reading Hideaway Reading can be an escape or an education or both at once. It can challenge, comfort, exasperate or delight but in this busy world the main problem can be finding space for it all – Rachel Van Riel, Director of Opening the Book Brodart, a leading library supply company, has partnered with Opening the Book to bring their designs to the North American market. 95% of UK libraries already use Opening the Book…

It’s a Wrap! The Elena Garro Cultural Centre April 22, 2013

Now I have to put Mexico City on the “go to” list.Look at what Mexican architects Fernanda Canales and arquitectura 911sc have come up with for the design of the Elena Garro Cultural Centre. They wrapped the front of the old house with a concrete and glass frame to create an ‘open’ library space. They then incorporated not only the brick porch of the old house but also the huge tree that sits in front. …

William S. Stone March 28, 2013

Study William S. Stone builds some pretty wild things – from chairs without legs to surreal clocks Stone offers a refreshing take on basic household objects.Luckily for us he has created a few pieces for he book crowd including the “Study,” a self-contained outdoor study space. Three bookcases Forest bookcase

Get Your Literary Thumbprint March 15, 2013

Now I know fingerprints are not usually associated with the most positive of activities but artist Cheryl Sorg has come up with what might be the best use yet. Your own thumbprint transformed into a visual representation of the highlights of your reading life. Here’s how it works: The artist will send you ink and some cardsyou stick your thumb in the ink and apply to cardmail inked cards back witha list of up to…