This in-person 4-hour, hands-on workshop is designed for library staff looking to enhance their book repair skills and learn practical, cost-effective techniques for preserving library materials. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of common book damage, including torn and loose pages, detached covers, broken text blocks, and missing spines. Guided by experts from the State Library, attendees will engage in an interactive session where they can practice repairs using industry-standard tools and materials.

Key topics include:

• Basic bookbinding techniques for reattaching covers and and rebacking spines
• Methods for repairing torn pages and and sewing or tipping in loose pages
• Preventive care strategies to minimize future damage

By the end of the workshop, library staff will be equipped with the confidence and knowledge to handle minor repairs in-house, extending the life of their collection while preserving resources for library users. Participants will also receive a toolkit of essential book repair materials to take back to their libraries. Whether you’re new to book repair or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop will provide practical, hands-on experience to help you maintain a robust, well-preserved library collection.

To register, choose one of the following workshops. Each workshop contains the same content.
Monday, April 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12:30 – 4:30 PM 

Location:
State Library of Pennsylvania STEMLab
Forum Building
607 South Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Due to hands on nature of these programs, each workshop can accommodate 20 attendees. Any registrations past 20 will be placed on a wait list.

This project is made possible in part by federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.