For our next round of Coloring Cotsen, Katie selected three bookplates from our special collections, and also did a little digging for more information on the bookplate’s owners!

An Ex Libris, which means “from the books” or “from the library” in Latin, is used to indicate ownership of a book and is usually found on a bookplate, which is a decorative label adhered inside a book’s cover. A bookplate’s design is unique to its owner and displays a family coat-of-arms, reflects their hobbies or interests, or provides a special dedication. Sometimes bookplates are simply the owner’s name or signature. In any fashion or form, bookplates are a relatively simple way to add a personal touch to your library and definitively claim a book as yours.

Here are a few fun tidbits of information about the three people whose bookplates we used for Cotsen’s latest coloring sheets:

Georgina “Georgie” Evelyn Cave Gaskin was a jeweler and metalwork designer, as well as an author and illustrator. Georgie and her husband, Arthur, led the Arts and Crafts jewelry movement in Birmingham, England.

Sylvia Mary Allen was the daughter of Charles Allen, who is considered one of the leading experts on bookplates, especially old American plates and designs. He published several books on the topic.

Carrie Nelson was a humanitarian, civic leader and founder of the Columbus (Ohio) Society for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis, which is known today as The Breathing Association. Carrie’s husband, Samuel L. Black, served as Mayor of Columbus from 1897-99 and later became a judge.