Turn your Paperbacks into Hardcovers - IN PERSON OTTAWA

Saturday and Sunday for two weekends: March 14-15, March 21-22, 2026.

Give well-loved paperbacks a new life as sturdy, custom hardcovers. In this hands-on, four-day workshop, participants will convert two paperback books into durable case-bound editions— one flatback and one round back. Students will learn how to remove and prepare text blocks, reinforce and shape spines, and construct hard covers using board and cloth or paper. The workshop covers essential tools, materials, and techniques for achieving clean, well-finished results. Each participant will leave with two completed hardcover books and the skills to repeat the process independently. This class is suitable for beginners with patience and attention to detail, as well as binders looking to try something new. Demonstrations are paired with guided work time and individual feedback throughout. Leave with books you’re proud to shelve—and the skills to continue binding more at home.

Students will need to bring their own paperback books. All other tools and materials will be provided. However, if you have favourite bookbinding hand tools (bone folders, rulers, knives, etc), please feel free to bring them along. More details with images will be sent to participants, but the paperbacks sizes brought to the class should be as follows : For flatback book - 1x glued paperback book. Maximum size 23cm x 15cm (9”x6”). Book thickness between 1.5cm and 3cm (⅝” to 1¼”) - the inner margin where two pages meet (the ‘gutter’) and the printed text should be at least 1cm (~⅜”)wide. - Margins from outside edges of book to the printed text should be at minimum 1cm(~⅜”) wide For round back book - 1x glued paperback book. Maximum size 23cm x 15cm (9”x6”). Book thickness between 2cm and 3cm (¾” to 1¼”) - the inner margin where two pages meet (the ‘gutter’) and the printed text should be at least 1.5cm (⅝”)wide. Margins from edge of book to the printed text should be at minimum 1cm(~⅜”) wide

Suitable for beginners and all experience levels.

Notes:

Registration closes March 6th, 2026 @ 11:30PM

Participant-requested cancellations will be accepted up to 3 days prior to the published cut-off date for registration and will be subject to a 10% cancellation fee (a minimum of $5). After that, the full fee will be forfeited. In the event of the workshop being cancelled by CBBAG, the workshop fee will be fully refunded.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY :

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY : Thomas Moore and Tiffany Eng Moore will instruct this class jointly, providing a low teacher/student ratio. Tiffany Eng Moore is a CAPC accredited book and archival conservator and runs TEM Conservation in Ottawa, Canada. She has worked at the Library of Parliament (CA), the Canadian Conservation Institute, York Explore Library and Archives in North Yorkshire, UK and the House of Lords – Parliamentary Archives in London, UK. She holds a master's from West Dean College in Conservation of Books and Library Materials. For more information: canadianconservationconsortium.ca/en/

Thomas Moore is an industrial designer who has developed bookbinding and marbling skills with CBBAG. He has combined his design skills with bookbinding to help create and adapt book arts related tools, and brings a sense of precision and methodical instruction to the classes.

OTHER INFORMATION:

A minimum of 5 participants are required for this workshop to run.

Workshop and Refund policy - please see: https://cbbagottawa.ca/workshops/

Dining/Food: The nearest campus dining options may be closed on weekends. For up to date hours and locations see: https://dining.carleton.ca/locations/. Please bring your own food or refreshments if required.

For any other queries, please contact [email protected]

GETTING TO CARLETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY:

Bus and Train - https://www.octranspo.com/en/ottawa-destinations/carleton-university

Cycling - Carleton University is situated near several cycle paths including the Rideau Eastern Canal Pathway. See the OttawaVeloOutaouais blog for examples bike routes - https://ottawavelooutaouais.com/2019/09/15/biking-to-carleton-university/ Bike racks are available in several areas of the campus. Bicycles are not permitted inside the library. https://carleton.ca/parking/tdm-sustainable-transportation/

Parking - The parking lot P1 is the closest to the library. For locations of other lots and parking information see https://carleton.ca/parking/visitors/.

Images courtesy of Tiffany Eng Moore

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Host or Publisher Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG) Ottawa Valley Chapter