three images of bookish bags: two belt bags and a handbag in bookish prints
The Goods

Throw it in the Bag: Bookish Purses, Belt Bags, Backpacks, and More

Whether you need a way to cart your precious books around or just an all-purpose bag with bookish flair, these bookish bags get the job done.

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I’m a firm believer in having something to read on my person at all times. You must never know when you’re going to be at the DMV for half a day, or waiting for your friend who is perpetually late for dinner plans. With my phone within reach, I always have audiobooks on hand, but these 40-year-old eyes aren’t trying to read words on my phone for anything book-length. I also don’t always want to be schlepping around a book in a tote bag, both because I like a bag that closes and, you know, totes don’t always go with the fit.

As a lover of a good handbag and bookish accessories, it brings me great pleasure to present you with some non-tote bag options for book transport. Below, you’ll find an assortment of bag designs, from satchels and crossbody bags to belt bags—or, as someone my age might refer to them: fanny packs. There are options in fun bookish prints on canvas and nylon, and sleek leather (and vegan leather) options for a classic touch. Whether you’re looking for a way to cart your precious books around or just an all-purpose bag with bookish flair, I hope you find a bag or two here that will suit your needs.

four leather book holsters, three brown and one black
image from corsetsandcogs on Etsy

This isn’t strictly a bag, but it gets the job done. If you mean (bookish) business and have no need for pockets or zippers, a leather book holster might just have your name on it. This comes with an option to add a leather-bound journal, too. $40+

brown leather book cover with a magnetic closure pocket on the outside and a handle on the spine
image from LeatherByDarina on Etsy

Here’s another great option when you want something low on frills. This leather book cover protects the bookish cargo and comes with a handle for easy carrying. $98+

a bag in the shape of a book with a brown leather cross-body strap. The book is a red and gold cover of Beauty and the Beast
image from WellReadCompany on Etsy

There are book bags, then there are bags that are books. This bag comes in two sized, and the pretty gold and red option Beauty and the Beast version is just one of many available in the vendor’s shop. $85+

a bag made out of a black, red, and gold cover of The Secret Garden with a gold crossbody chain strap
Image from BookBagsByEmily on Etsy

Here’s another take on the book bag made from hardcover books, also from a shop with other available designs besides the Secret Garden version featured here. $70

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a green backpack/messenger bag with two flaps in the shape of leaves
image from TalismanaDesigns on Etsy

This backpack and messenger bag feels very Middle Earth-coded to me with its green leaf design. Whether you’re off on an elven adventure or just like the color green and plants like I do, this is a solid pick. $50

person in a black hoodie wearing a laptop backpack in a dark moody print of books, plants, and skulls on on shelves
image from PositiveMindPrints on Etsy

This is technically a laptop backpack, but you could slide an ereader, tablet, or book(s) in there, too. The print gives goth and dark academia vibes—don’t know if that ever gets old! $41

crossbody bag in a classic fairytale book print with brown trim
image from TwoGoldensCraftingCo on Etsy

This crossbody bag is made with a cotton nylon blend and has two interior pockets plus a large back pocket for added organization. You can pick from one of five classic fairy tale patterns, including Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. $$18

a cnvas handbag in a vintage book print with a brown vegan leather trim
image from TheRootedFern1 on Etsy

This bookish bag can be used as a handheld purse or a crossbody bag. It has an exterior pocket plus two open pockets and a secure zip pocket on the inside. As an added bonus, a tree is planted for every order from this shop. $54

a black belt bag with key and coin pouch attachments
image from BXSIE on Etsy

This nylon and polyester crossbody bag can be worn as a belt bag and is the perfect size for carrying around your ereader or paperback (check the item description for exact compatibility) and other on-the-go necessities. The coin pouch is detachable but could also work as storage for your ear buds. $78

white fanny pack with a black strap. the fanny pack has black text that reads "in my bookish era" and a graphic of an open book in black ink
image from ScalaCo on Etsy

When are we not in our bookish era, amirite? This bag lets the people know, and comes in several different colors + customizations in a retro fanny pack design. $12+

fanny pack in a colorful bookshelf print
image from CozyStarlightShop on Etsy

This colorful belt bag‘s features include a back zipper, an inside zipper pocket, and three cardholders, plus an adjustable strap with a clip and interior dividers for organization. $35

woman wearing a black belt bag as a crossbody. the bag material is a books and flowers print
image from Cloverandwren on Etsy

This belt bag, made from durable polyester fabric in a bookish floral design, features a back zipper, an inside zipper pocket, three cardholders, and an adjustable strap. $35

fanny pack with black straps and zipper. the fabric is white with a print of assorted book spines and flowers
image by BellaRoosPrints on Etsy

And lastly, a lighter color take on the bookish belt (bum? fanny? sling?) bag, equipped with the same back pocket, interior zipper pocket, cardholders, etc. $45

For even more ways to transport your literary cargo, try these sweet bookish tote bags. For bookish gifts and goodies of all flavors, check out our hub for all things bookish merch, The Goods.