Top 10 Gifts from The New York Public Library Shop by Emily Pullen, Reader Services CoordinatorDecember 3, 2018

What makes the Library Shop a one-of-a-kind destination? It's the inspiration of the Beaux Arts landmark building located in the heart of New York and the mission of all libraries, which gives us free access to every book and word ever written.

As a result of such inspiration, more than half the items on this list are original designs that range from calendars to ornaments and jewelry, and from an Italian leather backpack to a new quote tote. Available only at The Library Shop.

Top 10 Holiday Gifts at the Library Shop

1. Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany

The cover and two inside pages from the book Bibliophile

Book lovers rejoice! In this love letter to all things bookish, Jane Mount brings literary people, places, and things to life through her signature and vibrant illustrations. As a bonus, the book features our main building as well as recommendations from one of our booksellers.

2. Leather NYPL Bookbinding Stamp Backpack

Three views of a leather backpack

This compact leather backpack is designed and produced in Italy. It features a bookbinding stamp originally used on the spine of books bound in, and for, The New York Public Library.

3. NYPL Library Card Ornament

Colorful book covers with a New York Public Library check-out card on top of a red book

Did you know that for nearly 100 years, most library books were checked out using the two-card system? One stayed in the book, the other with the librarian. This new NYPL library card ornament is inspired by the original and has quickly become one of our top-selling ornaments!
 

4. 2019 Bookish Quote Calendar

 
Samples of pages from the Bookish Quote calendar including the quote A book is a dream you hold in your hand
 
This calendar is filled with inspiring bookish quotes for every month, featuring Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Seuss, William Faulkner, George Eliot, Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Cicero, Jorge Luis Borges, Jane Austen, Neil Gaiman, Fran Lebowitz, and Mark Strand.
 

5. Library Tote Bag Ornament

Back and front image of a small ornament replica of the New York Public Library tote bag
 
This NYPL 2018 exclusive design is modeled from our "What Are You Reading Now" tote. Hang it on your tree and add it to your armful of shopping bags from 5th Avenue!
 

6. Dickens Quote Tote Bag

 
A red tote bag with the quote What greater gift than the love of a cat

The latest in our Quote Tote series, this double-sided bag features a cat quote from Charles Dickens on one side, and our favorite cat on the other.
 

7. Logo Charm & Necklace

One gold necklace and one silver necklace, each with a charm featuring the New York Public Library lion logo

 
Imprinted with the Library's award-winning logo, this clean, modern charm declares your support for the Library, its programs, and its mission.
 

8. When in Doubt Socks

 
Maroon socks with the text When in doubt, go to the Library
 
We might be preaching to the choir here, but we think the message on these socks is indisputable. Whether for learning or entertainment, escape or inspiration, the Library has books for everyone.
 

9. Book Stack Earrings

 
A pair of gold-colored earrings, each with a charm of a stack of books

A little stack of books for your bookish style, available in gold and silver to go with every outfit. Made for NYPL.

10. Library Lion Bookends

 
 
Five books in between marble-looking bookends of the New York Public Library lions
 
The New York Public Library marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, flanking the entrance to the Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, are familiar and beloved icons for New Yorkers and visitors to the city. If you've been eyeing our lion bookends for years, perhaps this is your moment.
 

Check out more of our top gifts here and don’t forget to check out our newsletter! Sign up and receive 10% off your first Shop order.

View all posts by Emily Pullen