SB Libris
To get an accurate idea about 'SB Libris', you'll need to imagine fine-feathered, writing quills, parchment paper, elegant, curling, ink script and thick, wax seals pressed onto scallop-edged envelopes. The store, located Bendigo's fashionable View Street arts precinct is all about books; not so much their content but the age old craft of bookbinding.
Proprietors Simon and Belinda, offer customers a way to completely personalise their treasured memories. They specialise in the production of uniquely crafted photo albums, invitations and stationery and can also perform restoration on old, collectable books.
Tools of the trade
Their thesis binding service is recommended by LaTrobe University and their stationery an appropriate choice for businesses who try to outdo each other each year, to give the most refined and prestigious corporate gifts.
An
online order form for the SB Libris services is available but to properly describe your highly customised creation, it's probably best to visit the store and sit down with the internationally trained craftspeople to discuss your requirements.
SB Libris hold the occasional workshop in bookbinding as well, with groups capped to a maximum of six so that each participant is given individual attention. In the workshops you can learn to hand sew a hard cover binding, get a chance to use some of the store's traditional equipment and leave with a small kit so that you can continue to work on your new hobby at home.
some elegant gifts
A selection of literary gifts adorn the shelves of the SB Libris. There are calligraphy pens with intricately carved, gold nibs and items from the
Duomo stationery catalogue which have been imported from Florence, Italy; the home of publishing since Renaissance times.
SB Libris is open from Tuesday to Friday 10:00am until 5:00pm and on Saturdays from 10:00am until 2:00pm. It's perfect for those who, in the age of electronic publishing, yearn for the tactile sensation of holding a bound volume in hand.
more of what's available
