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An easy way to keep a bookmark is to fold the upper-right corner of a book (aka Dog ears)

Is such an action permitted on Shabbos?

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I was just reading about this today. The answer appears to be yes, but I need to go back and find the article that gave the sources. – Seth J Nov 30 '11 at 2:03
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Why shouldn't this be allowed? – Dave Nov 30 '11 at 2:07
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I was taught that making any kind of permanent crease was prohibited, which was why you're not allowed to make paper airplanes on Shabbat. – Shmuel L Nov 30 '11 at 5:01
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You better not read any of my books :) – Ariel Nov 30 '11 at 11:18
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@Mark see the comment by Shmuel L for a possible reason. Either way, I think that the analysis of which possible Melacha this may fall under should usually take place in a well-formed answer. – yydl Dec 1 '11 at 5:59
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Based on Shmirat Shabat Kehilchata Ch: 28, 16, we are allowed to fold papers but not to make toys/games, because in the case of the toys you are making a kli. The previous point (28, 15) deals on the issur of making marks, even with the nail. The example brought is to know where we are in a book.

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HaGaon HaRab Mutzafi Shelita says it is not proper to fold pages of Sifre Kodesh. Here is the Lashon:

קיפול דף מנהג גרוע ולא מתאים לספר קדוש

"The folding of pages is a bad custom and is not proper for holy book."

If during the week it is Asur, it is also on Shabbat.

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This has nothing to do with Shabbos. The question was may one do this on Shabbos- not necessarily to a holy book- but to a book in general. – jake Dec 12 '11 at 16:46
Yeah, but it's a Kal VaHomer – Hacham Gabriel Dec 12 '11 at 16:50
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No it is not. (1) Just because one shouldn't fold the page of a holy sefer, does not mean that the same applies to a regular book or magazine. (2) Just because it is a "derogatory practice", does not mean that it is halachically prohibited - during the week or on Shabbos. – jake Dec 12 '11 at 16:53
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Also, what is this "folding of pages" - is it referring to my case (for a bookmark)? – yydl Dec 12 '11 at 16:58
First of all, where is the permission to waste time reading things like that? I was speaking about a Sefer Kadosh as I said in the answer. Second, yes that is it what discussing. – Hacham Gabriel Dec 12 '11 at 17:13
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