This hands-on introduction to book repair basics will equip library staff to maintain their circulating hardcover book collections. Preservation expert Rebecca Elder will guide attendees through repair techniques for paper (surface cleaning, mending, tipping in pages) and books (hinge tightening and corner repair) and will provide guidance for setting up a repair workspace, understanding book repair terminology, and engaging a conservator.
This course requires a $75 supply fee to cover brushes, scissors, cutting mats, and more, which attendees will take with them after the course. Attendees are also asked to supply at least three hardcover books (deaccessioned from the library or from their own collection) that can be used to practice book repair techniques. If these requirements provide a hardship, please contact learning@amigos.org.
Location: Austin Public Library, Austin Central Library - 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Scheduled Dates
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April 29, 2026, 9:00am -
12:00pm CDT
Registration closes
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Register |
- Clean and mend paper materials
- Reattach loose pages
- Tighten hinges and repair corners
- Set up a functional book repair workspace
- Understand book repair terminology and when to consult a conservator
Instructor(s)
Rebecca Elder
Cultural Heritage Preservation
Rebecca Elder is an experienced cultural heritage preservation consultant who helps clients find practical and achievable solutions to care for their history collections. She collaborates with libraries, museums, archives, municipalities and families to tailor preservation plans to their resources and timelines.