The image used is from www.bookbinding.com.

I realize this may sound a little strange, however, I love books and want to learn how to bind books, although the maxim is true that you can’t judge a book by it cover. The book can still look much nicer. Is there any where in DC where one can learn this art?

You are in luck! Next Tuesday, April 19, the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program kicks off an eight-week Introduction to Bookbinding course. You will learn the book construction process from Kaare Chaffee, a conservator with the Library of Congress.

If you don’t have eight Tuesdays to devote to the craft you can always try the “please help out a fellow book geek in need” approach. Most libraries/library systems have a binding department. Makes sense since they have to rebind the well-loved books that go through their shelves. Ask DCist suggests ringing one of the area library systems, or university libraries to see if they would indulge an onlooker or perhaps “intern.” Most bookbinders actually learn the trade on the job as opposed to a technical school, so the apprentice concept isn’t unheard of.

You can find further resources, including where to purchase supplies and list of binders and conservators across the country on BookArts.com.

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