I had some dear, dear friends visiting for a few days last week, and among many other fun activities, we discovered a new museum: the American Bookbinders Museum.

The museum explores and explains the history of the bookbinding process (along with a few related historical subjects, like the evolution of papers used in books and one of my favorites–bookplates).

I was struck by the fact that the case binding method that is used to produce my own hardcovers is centuries old!

The museum also packs an impressive collection of antique book printing and binding machinery into its small, cheery space.

All in all, a delightful stop for San Francisco visitors who are interested in the history of books.