On Friday, May 2, our Metadata Librarian, Stephanie Sussmeier, led a Book Mending Workshop at Georgian Court University. The two-hour, in-person session, hosted by LibraryLinkNJ and VALE New Jersey, drew attendees from across the region. During the workshop, Stephanie demonstrated a variety of essential book repair techniques, including page tipping, page and corner repair, spine repair and replacement, hinge reinforcement, and cover restoration.
In addition to the practical demonstrations, she shared insights on selecting the right materials for different types of books—such as hardcovers versus paperbacks—and offered budget-friendly tips using everyday items. She also addressed the pros and cons of various treatment methods, explained how to choose the most appropriate repair strategy, and discussed the expected lifespan of different mending approaches. The workshop provided valuable skills and knowledge for anyone working to preserve and extend the life of their library’s (or personal) book collections.
If you are interested in learning more about book repair or hosting Stephanie for a book mending workshop, feel free to email her at Stephanie.Sussmeier@stockton.edu.