How to Use a Bookmark as a Reading Tool
By Good Juju Ink | Premium Stationery & Thoughtful Gifts | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Discover practical ways to use bookmarks beyond marking pages—from tracking reading progress to organizing notes—and choose the right type for your habits.
Quick answer
Use a bookmark not just to save your page, but as a reading companion: mark progress, jot reminders, and even open mail without losing your place.
Why the right bookmark type matters
Different bookmarks suit different reading habits. A clip bookmark grips the page firmly, ideal for books you carry around or read on the go. A flat bookmark is perfect for a home reading nook where it stays put. Choose based on how you read, not just how it looks.
Trade-offs: clip vs. flat bookmarks
Clip bookmarks hold securely but can leave a slight indentation if left on thin pages. Flat bookmarks are gentler but may slip out if the book is tossed in a bag. Consider the paper thickness and your mobility when deciding.
How to use a bookmark as a reading tool
- Mark your page with intention: Place the bookmark at the exact line you stopped reading, not just the page number. This saves time when you resume, especially in dense books. Avoid using random scraps that can fall out; a dedicated bookmark ensures consistency.
- Use a clip for on-the-go reading: If you read during commutes or in waiting rooms, choose a clip bookmark that grips the page. It won't slide out when the book moves. Check that the clip doesn't damage thin pages; remove it when storing the book.
- Track your reading progress: Move the bookmark to the end of each chapter or section to visualize how far you've come. This works well for long novels or textbooks. Avoid leaving the bookmark in the middle of a chapter if you want a clear progress cue.
- Jot notes on a sticky flag: Attach a small sticky note to the bookmark to write reminders, page numbers, or quotes you want to revisit. The bookmark becomes a mini note holder. Don't overload the bookmark with notes; keep it to one or two flags to avoid bulk.
- Use a letter opener bookmark for mail: Keep a dual-purpose bookmark near your reading spot to open letters and packages without losing your page. The blade is designed for envelopes, not thick cardboard. Always store the letter opener in its sleeve when not in use to protect the edge and your fingers.
Bookmarks that do more
- Best in Show Dog Letter Opener Bookmark: Dual-purpose metal bookmark and letter opener with a vegan leather sleeve. Handy for opening mail without hunting for a tool, and the sleeve protects the bookmark when not in use.
Best in Show Dog Letter Opener Bookmark - Folk Heart Metal Clip Bookmark: Gold metal clip with hand-illustrated folk heart cameo. The clip stays put on pages, making it reliable for books you carry around.
Folk Heart Metal Clip Bookmark - Mosaic Botanical Green Metal Clip Bookmark: Gold metal clip with hand-illustrated botanical cameo. Adds a touch of nature to your reading ritual while keeping your place securely.
