Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Coptic Bookbinding in La Crosse: Make a Book with Anneka Baird
In Coptic binding, the sewing stays visible along the spine, joining the book’s sections without adhesive. Anneka Baird’s La Crosse class introduces the materials and construction before each participant binds a book to take home.
A spine that shows how the book is joined
The class describes Coptic binding as a method developed by Egyptian Copts in the second century A.D. and an early form of the codex. Its sections are sewn together without adhesive, leaving the linked, chain-like stitching visible along the spine.
That construction is practical as well as decorative: books made this way lie flat when open, which suits writing, journals and notebooks. Following the sewing is a way to understand how the sections hold together, not just how the finished spine looks.
Further reading: Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
A maker attentive to everyday technologies
Instructor Anneka Baird is a master craftswoman based in Wisconsin’s Driftless region and holds an MFA from the University of Iowa Center for the Book. Her biography describes a practical curiosity about the technologies behind ordinary life. For this workshop, that perspective meets a familiar object—a book—and makes its construction the subject of the lesson.
Further reading: Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗
A separate morning class makes a longer day possible
Baird also teaches Long-stitch Bookbinding: the Medieval Paperback on the morning of November 20. It is a separate class and requires its own registration; the afternoon Coptic-binding ticket does not include it.
People preregistered for both classes can have lunch catered by the People’s Food Co-op deli at no additional charge. That lunch arrangement is conditional on registering for both sessions, rather than part of the Coptic class alone.
Further reading: Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
One afternoon session, with an optional second class
This listing is for the Coptic-binding class from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Baird’s separate morning class, Long-stitch Bookbinding: the Medieval Paperback, requires separate registration. People preregistered for both can have lunch catered by the People’s Food Co-op deli at no additional charge.
Friday, November 20, 2026 · People's Food Co-op
- Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird; introduction to material considerations and a participant-made book.
Plan your class
Friday afternoon at People’s Food Co-op
The class meets Friday, November 20, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Choose a sliding-scale course fee
Advance registration is required. The course fee is $40 at the Supported level, $55 at Sustainer or $70 at Supporter. Each level also has a required $25 materials fee, for booking totals of $65, $80 or $95, respectively.
The school describes Supported as an option for people who have difficulty meeting basic needs or could not attend without a lower payment. Sustainer is suggested for people who meet their needs but budget for classes and entertainment. Supporter is for those with financial ease and the means to help sustain the school’s programs. The booking page lists the totals with the materials fee included.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗
A book to take home
The class starts with a brief introduction to material considerations, then each participant binds a book. All tools and materials are provided; bringing a notebook for notes is optional.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Getting to the class
Venue and directions
The class is at People’s Food Co-op, 315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601. The class listing includes a map link that can calculate directions from your starting point. It does not specify transit, parking or an event entrance; contact Driftless Folk School at 608-284-8524 or [email protected] if you need those details.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗ · FAQ — Driftless Folk School ↗
Before you make a plan
What will participants make, and do they need to bring tools?
Each participant binds a book to take home. The class supplies tools and materials; a note-taking notebook is optional.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
How much does registration cost?
The three booking totals are $65, $80 and $95. Each includes a $25 materials fee; the course-fee portion varies by sliding-scale level.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
Can I attend both of Anneka Baird’s bookbinding classes that day?
Yes, with separate advance registration for the morning Long-stitch Bookbinding class and the afternoon Coptic class. People preregistered for both can have lunch catered by the Co-op deli at no additional charge.
Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird — Driftless Folk School ↗ · Coptic Bookbinding: the Original Codex, with Anneka Baird - Booking by Bookwhen ↗
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations up to 10 days before class incur a 25% fee; cancellations within 10 days are not refundable. Contact the registrar to cancel.
Location & Google Maps
People's Food Co-op
315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.