Book Making-Burton Joyce Library-Adult Learning

Burton Joyce Library, Nottingham

Key details

Date -
Sessions Mondays: 2pm - 4pm
No. sessions 3
Venue Burton Joyce Library, Nottingham
For ages 19+
Group size 5 - 12
Cost FREE - £12

About this course

Despite all the changes in technology, books still play an important role in our lives.  The aim of this course is to introduce learners to basic techniques and principles of bookmaking.    


Over the course, we will look at simple quick books to single section binding and multi-section bindings to develop your knowledge of terminology and techniques.


No previous knowledge is required to attend this course.  Through attending this course, you will develop an understanding of: 

  • Book binding and some of the terminology used  
  • Grain of paper 
  • How to develop hand-eye coordination and improve fine motor skills through creating folds in paper 


By the end of the course, you will: 

  • Create folded book from one sheet of paper 
  • Understand paper grain and be able to identify the grain of paper or board in use. 
  • Able to make signatures for book/journal 
  • Use Stitching method to make Pamphlet style books – 3 and 5 holes 
  • Able to make Multi-section Binding  
  • Demonstrate the amount of thread required for specific bindings 

Resource required by attendees

  • Large sheet of paper  
  • Papers for the inside (Text Block of your books)  
  • Boards for covers (back of sketch books are great) 
  • Darning Needle 
  • Thread – must me strong might need to be condition with bee's wax 
  • Awl (Tutor will have one available to use in class) 
  • Pencil and eraser 
  • Metal Ruler 
  • Cutting mat & Knives (craft knife/DIY safety knife) 

Suggested Reading for the course -  


Title: Notes on book binding.  Author: Gerring, Charles. 


Publication Information: Nottingham : Frank Murray, 1899. 


Title: Bookbinding and how to bring old books back to life Author: Spillman, Aimee. ISBN: 9781526773784 


Title: Title: Bookbinding basics. Author:Rosati, Paola. ISBN: 9780806979397 

Booking your place and fee information

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course  please visit our webpage for further information  https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/ 


To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

  • Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING.
  • Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.


To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.


Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).


As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

  • Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Greater London
  • Greater Manchester
  • Liverpool City Region
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
  • Tees Valley
  • West of England
  • West Midlands
  • West Yorkshire

Any questions?

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

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