An open book with aged, yellowed pages. Handwritten text on the right page reads “If by chance this book should stray / Into other hands some day, / Pray St. Anthony I pray thee / Bring it back without delay.” It is signed “Helen Pistole”.

Together, As always – A brilliant collection of personal notes from second-hand books

Words: Liv Siddall
—
Date: 2 August 2012; Work

It’s funny how a few lines of handwriting cam transport you to a snowy, 1980s family christmas in Nebraska that you definitely weren’t at. In this simple, very engaging project, Julianne Aguilar has collected as many second hand or discarded books as possible – each one containing the obligatory ‘gift’ note inside. With personal notes ranging from sophomore year-book style in-jokes to lengthier messages that make the hairs on your arms stand up, this collection is not just one more reason to keep buying people books for gifts but serves as an inspiration that a small and very charming project like this is totally doable, and closer to home than you may think.

The cover of a vintage children’s book titled “Slicko the Jumping Squirrel” by Richard Barnum. An illustration shows two people reading the book to a child.

The cover of the Dr Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” shows a figure standing atop a colourful, striped peak. Beside it, the book is open to a handwritten inscription and a sketch of a wide, open landscape. — Above
“Julianne,
As a young child, reading Dr. Seuss books were a joy. You were able to use silly words and use your imagination. Now you’re growing up. You will take time to decide what road you will take. You will endure many adventures in your journey. I thought it was really appropriate to end the last chapter of your school years with a Dr. Seuss book. This is where it all began. And look how successful you are at such a young age. I’m very proud of you, you are such a bright young lady. Whatever it is you choose to do I will always be supportive.
Good Bless, Peace, Love & Happiness,
Aunt Pati”

A book cover and an open spread from Ray’s a Laugh by Richard Billingham. The cover shows a close-up of a person laughing, with the title “Ray’s a Laugh” and the author’s name below. The open page features an aerial photograph of a residential street with brick houses and a blue van. — Above
“Dear Amelie, It is as if we are just now starting our lives – together, as always. Happy 30th Birthday. I love you so much. Karen”

A yellow notebook is shown both closed and open. The cover features a simple line drawing of a reindeer head. Inside, a handwritten note reads “To Joan Christmas 89 from Mom & Pa”. — Above
“To Jon, Christmas 89, From GMom & Pa”

A book cover and an open page from “Go Away Come Closer” by Terry Hershey. The open page features a handwritten inscription in blue ink that reads “Jackie & Bonnie keep on the journey!”. — Above
“Jackie & Bonnie —Keep on the journey!"

Two images of a book by George Burns. The first shows the dark blue cover with a cream spine, and the second shows the open title page for “The Third Time Around” with a handwritten dedication. — Above
“To Angel Annie: Live it up! All of your times around! Love, [Peter?]”

Further Info

www.togetherasalways.com
julianneaguilar.com

About the Author

Liv Siddall

—

Liv joined It’s Nice That as an intern in 2011 and worked across online, print and events, and was latterly Features Editor before leaving in May 2015.

Together, As always – A brilliant collection of personal notes from second-hand books

Share Article

Further Info

About the Author

Related content

Estudio Cru wants it’s responsive design to pose questions rather than offer answers

A2 Type adds Louisiana Museum of Modern Art to its repertoire of typefaces for iconic institutions

Exactly how Apple Music used sound to build its new brand identity

Artwork for anyone that’s looking: Bill Rebholz on taking ‘trash’ and turning it into beautiful vernacular signs

It's Nice That Newsletters