It is often said that a great book has the power to resonate with the human spirit, transport us to new realms, ignite our imagination, and shift our viewpoints in an instant… but are we discussing literature or photography here?! For Challenge 351, I invite you to embrace your inner book lover and share your most creative photographic interpretation of anything related to books. What significance do books hold for you? Can you inventively capture an image of one of the most timeless themes in existence?
I am looking for photos of books, any kind of books that inspire a love for reading. This could include someone deeply engaged in the act of reading a book, perhaps captured in a cozy nook, lost in a world of imagination. A shot of your favorite bookstore, with its enchanting display of titles and welcoming atmosphere, would also be wonderful to see. Alternatively, simply showcasing a book, whether it’s an old cherished classic or a trendy new release, can evoke a strong connection to the written word. I am not looking for book reviews, as they present another challenge altogether, but rather visual representations that highlight the beauty and allure of books, reflecting the passion of those who are truly bookworms amongst us.
It can be older books, these books were in the Library of Hvitträsk’s Museum
These newer books can be found in my own bookshelves. No rhyme or reason for the books in this shelve.
The Bookshelf is from our Library Fyyri in Kirkkonummi, a beautiful, modern architecture and welcoming atmosphere, where community members gather to enjoy books, attend events, and connect with one another. Meanwhile, the three men reading are in Oodi, the innovative central library in Helsinki, which serves as a vibrant hub for culture and creativity.
I took these photos of a book about Vintage bags, it is a gift from a friend of mine – I do love handbags 🙂
In conclusion, zooming this way was fun and, to many of us, a new experience. Anne’s challenge last week was an excellent reminder of the joy of experiencing and learning something new. Her post was, as always, a source of inspiration with amazing photos. I hope you have fun joining us again this week. Remember to tag Lens-Artists; also, please link back to my original post.
Next week is Sofia’s turn to host, Saturday 7th June. Until then keep on smiling ☺
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Let me end this post with book of vintage sheet music . “While strolling through the park one day, in the merry merry month of May….
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Fabulous pictures of books and reading books. I love them all.
Thanks Darlene, I appreciate that 😀
Superb theme and photos. I love the VOBs (Very Old Books) shots. Despite computerization of the world, there are a lot of books still in it, both old and new.
Yes there is and it’s important that it’s so, thanks John
Mine: https://fairplay740.wordpress.com/2025/05/31/lens-artists-challenge-351-books-pt-1/
Thanks John
Great challenge Ritva. I still enjoy holding a book in my hands. There’s something about flipping each page to the next. I’ll see what I can come up with.
Thanks, I know I won’t be disappointed 😀
I’ll try my best!
The 4th image…beautiful circular designs and muted colors…magical
Thank you Brenda,
Thanks Brenda, there is great draftsmanship in the old book printing and papers
The dearest of subjects and so beautifully photographed. I love your monochromes, timeless.
Here is mine:
YOur post was lovely. Thanks Sofia
What an original challenge idea, Ritva! I don’t know about others, but I seldom or rarely think about photographing books. Your photos and guidance are perfect.
Well, I am sure you will do well in this challenge too. No doubt about it
Thanks again for a thought-provoking theme. Here’s my humble contribution:
https://throughbrazilianeyes.com/a-trip-at-your-fingertips/
Ritva, I love this theme and all of your images. I really like the old vintage books and the ones of the library. They all show a love of reading. We have the same Tom Wolfe book except ours is in English. I read it many years ago. Thanks for this challenge!
Thanks Beth, old books have an air to them… style.
hello ritva,
a wonderful theme and very interesting pictures i like very much, especially the header the 1st, 2nd, 11th,12th and 13th.
here is my contribution to the challenge, https://wp.me/pfnz9O-Jd.
many greetings robert
I came here via Sofia’s passionate post about her love for books, Ritva, having just dragged myself away from our roof terrace, where I’ve been reading for the past few hours. It’s a lovely theme and I especially like your photos in that wonderful modern library xx
Thank you Jo, both of those libraries are living rooms for the areas people. What a location you have to enjoy a book… roof terrace sounds so inviting
This is such an amazing post Ritva, I truly loved it. Way too many favorites to mention but I will say I love the way you set the book up with the woman and her purse. Lovely.
Thanks Tina, I’m glad, I tried to do something new with the theme
This is a great challenge and beautifully illustrated. I’m with my Catalan family and only have my mobile with me, so I shan’t be joining in, sadly.
Glad you enjoyed it, too bad for not being able join, but I am sure you will enjoy the other responses to it
Indeed. It’s a challenge I’d relish doing
You can still do it, it needed be this week 😀
I’ll see. Life is complicated just now!
I’ve lived with books my entire life and can’t imagine life without them. Your gallery is a stunning tribute to books and readers and, hopefully, an inspiration to non-readers to see the inner as well as outer beauty of books.
Thanks Janet, I’ve been a reader from early on, library visits weekly , considering I walked 3 km one way to go, books were a big part of growing up. Later as a young adult you could find me in the book store 😀 so I can relate. This time I wanted to show appreciation for the way books look and feel.
Brilliant post and brilliant theme
Thanks , glad you liked it
A great theme Ritva. Your books and setting out is so good. I like the black and white photos. I could have added my sheet music books as well now I think of it.
Here is my contribution
Thanks, B&W a good style for books 🙂
What a beautiful series of images.
To me, who used to read 6-7 books per week, a home without books is totally unimaginable. Now I can barely read one chapter.
What a beautiful series of images.
To me, who used to read 6-7 books per week, a home without books is totally unimaginable. Now I can barely read one chapter.
Thanks Vicki. That is sad…
Great theme this week…. and my fav of your post was catching people reading – and the vintage music sheets.
I will have my post come later on – until then – thanks for hosting
Thanks, happy to hear you enjoy the images. Looking forward to your post
I love books and what you have done here!
Dawn, hopefully I’ve created a challenge 😂
Well it is definitely one I can participate in!
😀
Interesting challenge Ritva, you found lots of books.
Thanks Leanne, they are easy to find 🙂
Dear Ritva
What a great presentation of books. We love it. Every picture shows a special side of the world of books and readers.
Thanks and cheers
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks for your kind words 😀
Wonderful topic! I love books! A beautiful post, the reader images are lovely.
Thanks Ana, it seems to be something that many of lens-artists bloggers have in common, we enjoy books 📕
https://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2025/06/01/lens-artist-challenge-351-books/
Wonderful theme and beautifully photographed through your lens, Ritva! I managed to put together a post in the middle of everything!.
Thanks, your post was just lovely.
All lovely captures, Ritva. Here is mine https://wanderingteresa.com/books-at-livraria-lello/
Thank you Teresa
Great pictures. I love the ones from the library.
My photos are here
Thank you Marina
https://angloswiss-chronicles.com/2025/06/02/lens-artist-challenge-351-books-2/
Here I am again with everything I found in the meanwhile. Hope it is OK to post twice. I am just a book worm.
You have some cosy photos to introduce a cosy little challenge.
Here’s my attempt: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/artifacts/
Love your gallery! Love the focus on books.
I decided to create a galleries of libraries I have visited.
Here is my link for this week
Here is mine for the week
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/lens-artists-challenge-topic-books/
I’m a little late this week in checking out the responses, and I will have my own version tomorrow, Ritva! I love your photo of the man engrossed in his book.
An interesting challenge Ritva, a little different from the usual. I love your photo of that man reading, and the one of the glasses on the open book. As a former librarian I was also struck by how wonderful both the libraries you feature look!
I wasn’t sure how to approach this at first, as I don’t photograph many books, but I decided to concentrate on just one: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-between-extremes/
Awesome! Love books and so a topic close to my heart. Beautiful shots. My post is here – https://flightsofthesoul.wordpress.com/2025/06/05/lens-artists-351-books/
Thanks PR 🙂
I love old books – if nothing else, they add a bit of class to a bookshelf. I’m over here at Priorhouse’s suggestion. Here’s my addition: https://jttwissel.com/2025/06/05/the-charles-dickens-of-the-nursery/
Thanks for joining JT
A great challenge for book lovers, an inspiring post and a fantastic variety of beautiful pictures, Ritva. I love the first one with the devoted reader most. Here is my humble contribution: https://beingamazedcom.wordpress.com/2025/06/06/%F0%9F%93%B8lens-artists-challenge-351-an-ode-to-books-globally/
Your pictures illustrate this theme perfectly, Ritva. Thank you for hosting this week’s photo challenge.
https://lindylecoq.com/2025/06/06/lens-artists-challenge-351-books/
Your post is beautiful and inspiring. I’m afraid my contribution is not all I had hoped it would be. Time and other constraints have affected my creative self. I will get it under control!!!
Such a lovely variety in your captures, RS! From modern hubs like Oodi to timeless details in Amalfi and vintage handbags—each frame feels like a different chapter. That vintage bag book is a gem of a gift indeed! 📚👜 Thanks for sharing these slices of story and space.
Philo
Thanks Philo for your kind words, a gift that keeps on giving – in my photos 🙂
Welcome, RS
I just realised that I linked my contribution to the wrong Lens Artist (I’ve changed it now). I loved the topic and I love your post. Particularly the close up but actually all of your photos.
Thank you I am happy to hear you say so 🙂
I really like your shots here. Not too sure what to say about them, but I find that they’re all quite curious and interesting.
Here’s mine for this one:
https://stupidityhole.com/2025/06/07/finnegans-wake-cross/
Thank you so much
Excellent theme, here’s my late entry. I’ve included libraries and little free libraries in my photos related to books. https://fakeflamenco.com/2025/06/07/lens-artist-challenge-351-books/