Create a Display in Your Library

Bonnie Julien, longtime Norbag member has appealed to "distant" Norbag members to create book arts displays in their local libraries. Her story is inspiring, please enjoy it and the photos that follow (you may recognize your books).

"The Kitsap Regional Library branch on Sylvan Way in Bremerton, WA has graciously allowed me to create a display of NORBAG exchange books in one of their display cases. They have two full-size locked cases with glass doors opening to both the lobby and inside of the library. One or more of your books are currently on display for the month of May. These books are from my collection and also some borrowed from Dolores. Your names and home towns are included in a list inside the case. I wanted the viewers to see that not everyone who joins the Guild and participates in the exchanges lives in Humboldt County. Apparently the response has been great. The first set of about 25 bookmarks disappeared so I just added 30 more. The bookmarks have information about book art in general as well as the web addresses to Norbag. My name, phone number, and email are listed and I've already had three responses...two who I believe will become actively involved in book art. I also included Dolores' name and the Cutten address in case anyone wanted to join NORBAG. It is a policy of the library to only allow an individual or organization to use a display case once in a calendar year, but the person I'm working with is so excited by the books that she thinks the library board will allow another display this December of our holiday cards.

Those of you who live outside of Humboldt County might consider asking at your local library (or school or college) to see if they would be interested in having you do a similar display. The only real criteria is that they have a secure case."

Editor Note (Michele): I will take Bonnie's advice to heart and create a display this fall in the small town library of Fullerton, Nebraska. I am also donating Cover to Cover by Shereen Laplantz and may give some introductory workshops. Thank you Bonnie for your support of the book arts.

Library Kiosk: Constance Rose

The Humboldt County Library kiosk has a display of local artist and Norbag member, Connie Rose. As always, it is better to go see them than rely on two-dimensional photographs! Connie says this about her work:

"My interest in book arts is focused largely on creating journals from recycled materials. I make "art" journals, as distinct from writing journals—that is books with pages that might be painted or collaged on addition to some narrative text. My journals aren't "about" anything in particular, but exist to be filled in some creative way, thereby becoming something special as one is used.

I fill the journal with pages made from recycled book and (heavyweight) magazine pages, journal and accounting paper, sheet music, wallpaper, my own sketchbook pages, scrapbook paper, drawing paper, old envelopes—anything that can withstand being folded and bound. I cover books with hand-painted or printed papers, hand-dyed fabrics, or recycled upholstery samples. I use different methods of binding each new journal using one of a variety of hand bookbinding stitches."