Book Repair: Broken Cloth & Paperback Books

with Rachel Payne
Saturdays: June 15 & 22; 10am–4pm CT

In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged books. We’ll begin with an overview of book anatomy and approaches to repair. Then, we will look at your own damaged books and develop a plan to care for them. Instruction will cover cleaning techniques and methods for treating cracked paperbacks, loose hinges, tissue repairs, and other problems. Practicing these techniques will help you develop a sense for when to do the repair yourself and when to work with a book conservator. Demonstrations and instruction will alternate with work time and one-on-one guidance for individual repair projects. Bring in two or three aged and damaged books that you would like to evaluate and treat.

This workshop is open to beginners but experience making books is helpful. We will spend a lot of time holding tools and performing fine hand movements. Do not wear long, loose sleeves to this workshop.

Some experience helpful
Certificate: 12 hours, Category B or D

$294/participant (10% discount for MCBA members) + $30 materials fee
$147 for BIPOC/Financial scholarship participants (10% discount for MCBA members) + $30 materials fee
MCBA offers two scholarship types for workshops—Financial Hardship Scholarships and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Scholarships—to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom these scholarships do not apply, register at the Adult rate and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available.

Please note: Registration closes 6/10 at midnight (CT).