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What is a bookbinder?

Bookbinders take worn out library books and rebind them. They also bind theses, genealogies, newspapers, magazines, and can create blank books for journals. Bookbinders do not print books.

What is suitable for binding?

Just about any printed material, from a single sheet to hundreds of pages, can be bound. Our business consists of rebinding worn-out school and library books, and the binding of magazines, journals, and technical materials. In addition to these, we can custom bind a single item for any customer.

Are there books you cannot bind?

Yes. We cannot bind a book if it has brittle pages. If you turn a page corner and it cracks, the book is too brittle to be rebound. If you send us a book that we feel is too brittle, we will send it back to you at no cost.

What binding methods do you use?

All binding is done according to the specifications and standards of the Library Binding Institute and the American Library Association.

We guarantee our workmanship, and bind books to last. Here is a sample of the sewing we do:

Example of oversewn magazines: the strongest stitching there is for paper.

What terminology do you use?

What are the names for the lines on a book you bind?

How do I create the cover for the book?

Putting the pages together, called a book block, is relatively simple as you are working with a set page size, usually 8-1/2"x11" or 5-1/2"x8-1/2". Once all the pages are assembled in book form, it is time to design the cover so the pages can be bound into book form.

If the cover is to be made from cloth, the bindery can custom fit the cover to the book. The difficulty comes when you want to design your own cover using cover art and lettering. The diagram below shows how to lay out the cover.

The finished size of the cover needs a one-inch turn in (margin), top and bottom, right and left, plus the thickness of the book.

A book printed on 8-1/2"x11" sheets will need to be printed on a sheet of paper 13"x20" using an 80 lb. cover paper the thickness of a cover on a normal paperback book. Use an uncoated paper, NOT plastic coated computer paper.

If it is not possible to print on a sheet of cover paper 13" wide, then the cover can be made 11" high, the same size as the 11" paper. It is still necessary to allow for the thickness of the spine and covers. The sheet size would then be 11" x 16" for front and back covers, plus the thickness of the book for 8-1/2" x 11" book. The cover needs to be printed on 80 lb. cover paper.

What kind of covers and materials do you offer?

1. Buckram. This is the sturdiest material there is for binding books. You see it in many libraries with rebound books. It comes in many colors; you can see the color chart below. Please order by color number.

2. Imitation leather. This comes in just about all the same colors as buckram.

3. Linen. Available in black, blue, brown, red, maroon and green.

4. Leather. Available in black, brown, red, and blue.

Color Chart

How do I order?

Make sure that everything you want to have bound is complete, that all pages are in order, and monthly issues are in order according to the months. Place rubber bands around any loose issues. When sending theses for binding, be sure each one is in a separate envelope to guard against page damage.

Print out a binding slip for each different volume to be bound. When several copies of one thesis are sent for binding, we only need one binding slip for all the volumes.

Follow the instructions on the Binding Slip page for correctly filling out each binding slip. Be sure your complete return address and phone number is included, as we may need to call you. We normally ship using UPS or FedEx, and so we need a street address. If you want us to ship parcel post, we need to know this.

Place one binding slip with each magazine or book to be bound. Pack the books in a sturdy box, using packing paper to prevent any loose spaces inside the box. Be sure your return address is on the package and slip. It is a good idea to insure your shipment. Keep a copy of all forms for yourself.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We will send you an invoice upon completion of the binding. Payment is acceptable in check, money order, and MasterCard and Visa.

Where can I buy bookbinding supplies If I prefer to do my own binding?

Anyone can buy supplies for personal bookbinding from www.ganebrothers.com

How should I pack and ship to you?

When sending in older books, include binding slip, and wrap each book in newspaper. Use a sturdy box and be sure box is full. Any open places need to be packed with newspapers, making the box tight.

Parcel Post Media Rate is the least expensive way to ship. Be sure to insure. Be sure you include your name, address, city, state, zip and day time phone so we can contact you. We return ship by UPS, so we need a street address.

What about transportation and insurance?

Customer will pay transportation charges on all orders to and from the bindery. Customer’s material is fully insured while in our plant or in transit. For Texas customers, 8.25% sales tax will be charged on bookbinding services. If you are a tax-free entity, you must include a copy of your tax exempt certificate with your order.