Save Your Collection—Don’t Replace, Repair! Basic Book Repair for Libraries

Stop throwing money away on replacements! Binding quality varies wildly, and with constant circulation, even your best books take a beating. The good news? Most damage is completely fixable—and you’ll learn how in this hands-on workshop. Transform damaged books into circulation-ready materials while saving your budget for new acquisitions where it really counts.

In This Dynamic Workshop, You’ll Master:

✓ Essential repair tools and supplies every library needs

✓ Quick fixes for the most common types of book damage

✓ Professional techniques to reinforce hinges and prevent cover separation

✓ The art of tipping in loose pages so they stay put

✓ Complete spine replacement from start to finish

✓ Proven cleaning methods that tackle even the toughest stains.

Why Attend? With repeated checkouts and daily handling, your popular titles are probably falling apart faster than your budget can replace them. These practical skills will help you keep beloved books in circulation, extend the life of your entire collection, and demonstrate excellent stewardship of library resources. Walk away with confidence, techniques you can use immediately, and the satisfaction of giving your books a second life!

The session will be held in-person at Finger Lakes Library System: 1300 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Coffee, snacks, and water will be provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks. Registration is full, please contact jshonk@flls.org to be added to the waiting list. View our Code of Conduct for Programs.

Presenter Bio: Marianne Hanley is the Preservation Librarian for Syracuse University Libraries, where she leads comprehensive preservation efforts that protect and extend the life of invaluable research collections. In her role, she defines preservation needs, establishes strategic goals, implements targeted programs, and manages budget allocations to ensure the long-term care of library materials. As Principal Investigator for the NYS Conservation/Preservation Grant Program, Marianne administers annual state funding dedicated to promoting proper care and accessibility of research materials across New York. Through this program, she champions the adoption of best practices, guidelines, and technical standards in conservation and preservation work. Marianne co-manages Syracuse University Libraries’ disaster response plan for collections and co-coordinates recovery efforts when emergencies strike—ensuring that irreplaceable materials are protected even in the most challenging circumstances. A passionate educator, Marianne finds great fulfillment in teaching workshops on book repair and disaster preparedness, sharing her expertise with library professionals eager to strengthen their own preservation skills. Education: Master of Library and Information Science, Syracuse University and Bachelor of Arts, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY.