Chanel Ly
she/her
bookbinder & content creator
aspiring special collections librarian
About
Since 2017, I’ve crafted and sold countless handmade books for journalers and artists. Seeing someone’s artwork come to life within the pages of my books never ceases to delight me. I’ve also started creating my own artist books, which has been very fulfilling.
In my endeavor to build an online presence, I discovered a deeper sense of purpose in exploring and sharing the craft of bookbinding on YouTube. Awl About Bookbinding is the newest series that expands people’s knowledge of the field. I bring viewers on field trips, meeting inspiring bookbinders and getting a peek inside their binderies. Through Awl About Bookbinding, my mission is to make the craft more visible and accessible, bringing diverse artists and new perspectives into the fold.
In tandem with creating bookbinding documentaries and resources, I’m pursuing a graduate degree in Library and Information Science at UCLA. My background in bookbinding and book arts led me to seek this professional training, so that I can contribute my skills within a local community setting. While my career goals are continually expanding through my studies, my current focus is to become a Special Collections Librarian who actively collects and showcases artist books. I believe artist books are powerful tools for teaching and engagement with today’s most critical issues.
Presentations and Workshops
Sketchbook Revival (virtual)
October 2024
Facilitator of opening bookbinding workshop
American Bookbinders Museum, San Francisco (virtual)
July 2025
Panelist on “So You Want to be a Bookbinder?”
Professional Experience
⟡ Content Creator, 2021 to present
Partnerships: TALAS, American Academy of Bookbinding, UCLA Library,
The CODEX Foundation, Japanese Paper Place
⟡ Online Shop Owner, 2017 to present
Shop: bittermelonbindery.com
⟡ Author of Handmade Books at Home, 2023
Published by Page Street Publishing
⟡ Bookbinding Instructor & Facilitator, 2018 to 2020
WePress Community Arts Space, Collingwood Neighbourhood House,
Workshop Wednesdays
⟡ Over a decade in public service
Held positions such as non-profit manager, outreach worker,
community transit bus operator, recreation instructor
Education
⟡ UCLA MLIS Program, 2025-2027
⟡ American Academy of Bookbinding, 2024 to present
Introduction to Bookbinding - Level 2 (2024)
Fundamentals of Full-Leather Binding (2024)
Introduction to Book Repair (2025)
⟡ Creative Facilitation Program, 2017
Partners for Youth Empowerment
⟡ Bachelor of Arts in Geography
Minor in Sustainable Community Development, 2015
Simon Fraser University