Turning the page: Middlesex Bindery brings stories to life

Middlesex Bindery is a LGBTQ-owned business in Lowell, MA. Below, the owner shares some details on their business and the importance of supporting local.

Describe your business in 50 words or less.

We are a full-service hand book bindery. Our services include commissions, rebinding and repair, protective boxes, retail, and individual and group instruction.

What makes your business unique?

We are one of the very, very few hand book binderies left.

What does your business look like?

We operate out of our brick and mortar location, online, and by mail. I do work by mail or visit to discuss your project. I provide curbside service, but most customers want to come inside to select their design components (cloth, leather, paper, etc.) I’ve worked locally, nationally (across New England, CA, FL, MI, OH), and internationally (Netherlands, France, Canada).

I’ve bound personal copies of books for authors; repaired historic journals (including a WWI journal from the trenches); bound city newspapers, magazines, and journals; repaired personal family bibles and cookbooks; repaired collectibles; and created protective boxes for valuables. It’s a large list!

Why is it important to support businesses like yours?

There are so few binderies left that’s important to support those of us who still exist so that we don’t disappear entirely. Otherwise, there will be nowhere to get books repaired or have a custom photo album, guest book, or next great American novel bound.

Do you want to say anything to your customers or guests?

I will work with you to design the book (or box) that needs and wants. Whether full leather, half leather, cloth, or paper; artistic design binding, utilitarian journal, or rebinding of a beloved book.

How has your business changed or adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The biggest change is change in hours. I live in Boston and the bindery is in Lowell; I am dependent on public transit, which has adjusted their service and hours. This isn’t something I can do at home. Otherwise, I am observing whatever health protocol is in place, with the ultimate goal of keeping my customers safe.