A paper reading log is one of the simplest ways to keep track of what you read. This free reading log printable fits 20 books on one page, with space to rate each book, jot a quick note, and copy out one sentence you don't want to forget. Print as many copies as you like.
What's on this reading log
The sheet is one page and deliberately uncluttered. Each of the 20 rows has these columns:
- # - so you can see at a glance how many books you've logged.
- Title and author - enough room for a long title and a full name.
- Dates - started and finished.
- Pages - handy for seeing how much you read over a year.
- Rating - five circles to fill in. Shade a half circle if you can't decide.
- Done - a checkbox for books you finished.
- Note - a short line for your thoughts.
At the bottom of the page there's a box titled "A line worth keeping." It's for one sentence you loved, copied by hand.
How to use your reading log
- Pick your paper size. A4 for the UK and most of the world, US Letter for the US and Canada.
- Print a few copies at once. It's easier to keep going when the next sheet is already waiting.
- Keep it where you read. Fold it into your current book as a bookmark, or clip it into a notebook.
- Log the book when you start it, not when you finish. Many readers find this is what keeps a log from falling behind.
- Fill in the rest when you close the book. Add the finish date, pages, rating, and a note while it's still fresh.
- Save one line. If a sentence stopped you, copy it into the box at the bottom.
Why keep a reading log?
A full sheet can remind you what you actually read, which is easy to forget a few months later. It can also show patterns: maybe you read more in winter, or keep returning to the same few authors. A log makes it easier to recommend books to friends, and for some readers, watching the rows fill up is a gentle nudge to start the next one.
If you want more space, a reading journal or book journal is the natural next step. The log is the quick version: one line per book, so it never feels like homework.
Reading log ideas: what to write in the note column
The note column is short on purpose. A few words are enough. If you're stuck, try one of these:
- Who recommended it ("from Maya, book club")
- One word for the mood ("cozy," "tense," "sad in a good way")
- Where you read it ("on the train," "vacation in Lisbon")
- Why you stopped, if you didn't finish ("too slow after ch. 6")
- Who you'd give it to ("Dad would love this")
- The character you'd follow into a sequel
- One thing you want to look up ("the history of the salt trade")
- Would you reread it? A simple yes, no, or maybe.
Make it a habit
- Tie it to the last page. Closing a book is your cue to fill in the row.
- Keep a pen with the sheet. It removes the main excuse.
- Don't backfill everything. A log doesn't need to be complete to be useful.
- Start a new sheet each year. It's easier to compare later.
- Look back once in a while. Reading your past notes is half the fun.
Prefer to do this on your phone?
Kept is a private reading journal app built around one idea: when a line stops you, mark it while you read, and it's kept with the book. It's free to start, and the printable stays free either way.
Frequently asked questions
Is this reading log really free?
Yes. Both PDFs are free, with no sign-up, and you can print as many copies as you want for home, a classroom, or a book club.
Can I use it for kids?
Yes. It works well for children reading chapter books. For younger readers, an adult can write the title while the child colors in the rating and ticks the done box.
How many books fit on one page?
Each sheet has 20 rows, one book per row. Read more? Print another copy and keep numbering from 21.
What should I write in the note column?
Anything short that will jog your memory later: a mood, who recommended the book, or why you put it down. The ideas above are a good start.
Can I make my own reading log?
Of course. A ruled notebook with a few columns works fine, and you can use this sheet as a reading log template. Many people start with a printable, then adjust the columns once they know what they like to track.