Downloading books to an e-reader is common in today’s technology-savvy culture, but the art of handcrafting a book holds special appeal for some people. Those who have always wanted to create their own hardcover can do so during an upcoming workshop.
“The more that Kindle steals the thunder of a book in print, the more popular it becomes to be able to make your own handmade book and have it sitting on the coffee table,” says Chris Loffelmacher, director of cultural programming for the Denver Public Library’s Fresh City Life series.
“Behind the Cover: Tour Denver Bookbinding and Build Your Own Book Workshop” includes a session where 15 people can craft a single-signature book to take home. The workshop is offered Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Get registration details online at under “Craft Services.”
Gail Lindley, owner of the Denver Bookbinding Co., says her clients often include graphic artists who create hardcover portfolios for clients, schoolteachers who make specialty books for their classes, and families who want to pass down heirlooms such as Bibles or unpublished books written by relatives.
“Not only does making a book engage your brain, but it engages your hand, as well,” says Lindley.
During the tour, attendees will be able to see a 400-year-old book made of cotton paper, as well as another volume made of sheepskin vellum. The bindery, which is celebrating its 82nd year in business, is the only remaining Colorado company that specializes in hardcover binding. There used to be five, Lindley says. Additional classes being offered at the bindery in upcoming months include making a pop-up card and crafting an Italian leather journal.
“I still have lots of young people in their 20s and 30s who are reading to their children because hardcover books were one of the experiences they enjoyed in their childhood,” Lindley says.
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
“Behind the Cover: Tour Denver Bookbinding and Build Your Own Book Workshop”
Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, both 10 a.m. to noon.
Registration is required by calling 720-865-1206 or online at , and scroll down the page to “Craft Services.”
A $15 materials fee includes paper, leather, binder’s board and marbleized paper.
