Center for the Book | The University of Iowa

The Center for the Book

Bookbinding, Letterpress Printing, Papermaking, Lettering Arts, Artists Books, Book Design, and Historical & Cultural Book Studies.

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A distinctive degree-granting program that integrates training in book arts practice and technique with research into the history and culture of books.

Facilities

We offer a wide variety of experiences in bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, lettering arts and more.

Student Handbook

References for procedures, policies and resources for all UICB students.

Graduate study opportunities

The UICB offers an MFA degree and a graduate certificate in book studies or book arts.

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A person inspecting a print in front of a printing press.

The Center for the Book is an innovative arts and research program dedicated to the past, present, and future of the book. The Center pursues a distinctive mission, integrating practice in the art of the book with a study of the book in society. We offer curricula in the arts of printing, binding, papermaking, and calligraphy, in the history and culture of books as a field of study, and in the expressive power of the book form. The Center also supports an active program of visiting lectures and workshops with renowned book scholars and artists.

Interested in learning about our program? We welcome inquiries from prospective students and are happy to set up tours of our facilities and meetings with faculty.

Center news

Fall 2022 at the UICB

Monday, September 12, 2022

We would like to welcome our new cohort of MFA candidates and Certificate students to the UICB.

We did it!

Friday, March 11, 2022

The funds will be dedicated to supporting graduate students, hiring faculty, and creating professional opportunities for UICB artists and scholars.

Making the world larger; The Center nears the end of UICB 2021

Friday, December 3, 2021

The challenge grant generously provided by the Windgate Charitable Foundation, is nearing its close.

Upcoming events

Iowa Bibliophiles: New Acquisitions at Special Collections & Archives

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 7:00pm to 8:00pm

University of Iowa Main Library

Enjoy an up close look at rare and unique items joining the Special Collections & Archives collection.

Paper Artisan Talk and Q&A

Thursday, April 13, 2023 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building

Join the UI Center for the Book and UI International Programs in welcoming Masami Igarashi and Hideaki Taki to the university. Both artisans will be discussing the types of papers they make in their respective studios, as well as their personal background with the craft. Presentations will be followed by a Q&A and an opportunity to handle and purchase paper from both mills.

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