bookholder

Bookholder refers to a device or apparatus designed to support books in an upright or inclined position, preventing them from falling or falling over while being read or displayed. The primary purpose of a bookholder is to improve ergonomics, reduce strain on the viewer’s neck and hands, and keep pages free of creases. Bookholders are commonly used by students, librarians, and speakers, and are also popular in museums and operating rooms where hands‑free reading is required.

Typical bookholders come in a variety of styles. Clip‑type models attach to the edge of a desk or tabletop and have adjustable armrests to accommodate books of different sizes. Stand‑type bookholders sit on a surface and use a weighted base to stay upright, often with elastic or magnetic grips that secure the book. Some models incorporate a vertical stand with a cradle that sits the book at an angle, and these can be crafted from wood, metal, plastic, or a combination of materials. Modern ergonomic designs may include a soft foam bed to protect the spine and reduce glare from backlighting.

Historically, bookholders have evolved from simple paperclips or desk hooks used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to sophisticated multi‑function devices. Advances in materials and ergonomic research have improved their functionality, making them indispensable tools for quiet study environments, public libraries, and professional settings that require hands‑free reading.