On The DL

Book, Paper, Scissors: Artists' Book Fair

by Dana Henry

Sat., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-701-6172, philadelphiacenterforthebook.org

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Librarians typically don't advocate mixing glue and scissors with books — unless, that is, the folks at the Philadelphia Center for the Book are doing the cutting and pasting. The organization brings together librarians and book artists — people who use paints, prints, ribbons, gems, comic strips and almost any material imaginable to alter books or make them from scratch — in appreciation of their common interest.

With that goal in mind, founder Jude Robison and member artists regularly hold book art exhibitions, workshops and educational events at universities, cultural institutions and, most notably, the Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries. Book, Paper, Scissors: Artists' Book Fair, their most recent collaboration with the Free Library of Philadelphia, will showcase and sell original handmade creations including journals, interactive books, prints, origami and paper jewelry. The fair also features a free all-ages workshop on bookmaking and paper crafts.

The 40 participating artists are all about getting back to basics and using their hands. Homemade simplicity, after all, is the charm of the craft. "In this digital age, we forget that books are sensual," says Robison. "At Book, Paper, Scissors, you will be invited back into that world."