How to Print Library Spine Labels (Avery & Dymo) Without the Headache

A clean, consistent spine label is what turns a pile of books into a findable collection. This guide walks through printing labels that actually line up — whether you use sheet labels like Avery or a dedicated Dymo label printer.

1. Choose the right label stock

• Avery 5160: 30 labels per sheet — great for high-volume batch printing.
• Avery 5163: larger labels — better when call numbers run long.
• Dymo: roll-fed, one label at a time — ideal for on-demand single labels.

2. Build the label content

A spine label is the call number split across short lines so it reads top-to-bottom, for example:

813.54 / F553g / 2004

Keep each line short — long, wrapped lines are the number-one cause of misaligned labels.

3. Print at 100% scale

The most common printing mistake is letting the printer "fit to page," which shrinks the layout and throws every label off its grid. Always print at 100% / actual sizeand disable any scaling.

4. Do a test sheet first

Print one page on plain paper, hold it against a blank label sheet up to the light, and check alignment before committing real labels. Two minutes here saves a whole sheet of waste.

5. Apply consistently

Place every label the same distance from the bottom of the spine. Consistency makes shelves scannable at a glance and looks professional to patrons.