books

books

Books about Books: Book Art Workshops and Resources

Books about Books: Book Art Workshops and Resources

As an archivist with a background in rare books and manuscripts, I’ve been interested in learning about bookbinding and book art for several years now. This led me on a search to find classes on bookbinding and last year I joined the Cincinnati Book Art Society (CBAS). They offer a series of beginner bookbinding classes and we meet once a month to learn a new style of book binding. This past week we learned about the Coptic Stitch Binding, both single and double needle techniques. The Coptic binding was used by the Copts, early Christians in Egypt, as early as the 2nd century AD and it is a popular binding style that is still in practice today among book art … Continued
So what, exactly, is print culture?

So what, exactly, is print culture?

Who needs print anymore? Many people read the news on their phones, check out audiobooks from libraries, send emails and texts to their friends and loved ones, even post a virtual diary of their own lives on their social media accounts. Yet print has held on for dear life: From 2013 to 2016, the latest year for which figures are available, sales of print books have steadily increased at an average of 3.9%. Over 674 million books were sold in 2016 alone. With all those readers comes certain expectations of print. (Including, but not limited to, the ability to turn books around, which is not a new decorating trend.) (Pictured: Not a new decorating trend.) Books do not merely convey … Continued
In Honor of Hermione Granger’s Birthday (She’s 35 this month!)

In Honor of Hermione Granger’s Birthday (She’s 35 this month!)

Remember the first time you read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Even if you haven’t read the books (they’re available in the library, it’s never too late!), you’ve probably seen the movies. And even if you haven’t seen the movies, I’m sure you’ve at least heard of Harry Potter, right? Well, this September marks Hermione Granger’s 35th birthday. She was Harry Potter’s best friend, and later on *SPOILER ALERT* Ron Weasley’s girlfriend/wife. In honor of her birthday, let’s take a look at the various accomplishments and aspects of the Harry Potter franchise. According to The Telegraph, (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/8592280/Pottermore-JK-Rowling-facts-and-figures.html), an estimated 400 million copies have been sold worldwide, in over 68 languages. Also, J.K. Rowling was the first author to become … Continued
DSM-5

DSM-5

As you may have heard, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the American Psychological Association’s primary mental health handbook, has recently published a new edition.  It’s been a long time in coming – the DSM-IV came out in 1994 (it was revised in 2000).  This reference work is the primary tool for diagnosing and recommending treatment for mental disorders across the spectrum, and has been since the first edition came out in 1952.  It is the single most important reference book for anyone in a psychology profession. The classification system has been completely retooled, eliminating the infamous five axes of the previous edition – personality disorders are no longer separated as rigidly from other types of psychiatric disorders.  … Continued
World Book Night … spreading the love of reading, person to person

World Book Night … spreading the love of reading, person to person

Think about a book you read recently that you enjoyed.  As simple as that…reading a book that gives you enjoyment.  Now think about people who know how to read, but do not. Perhaps they got out of the habit, or never developed the habit of reading for pleasure, or don’t have access, or any number of other reasons.  Now, YOU have an opportunity to change that. YOU can be part of a nation-wide reading advocacy project called “World Book Night.”  It occurs on April 23 but YOU have to act now.  Please go to the World Book Night website by JANUARY 25 and apply to be a “book giver.”  You’ll be directed to select 3 books as your top choices … Continued