Founded in 1937, Bookbuilders of Boston was an association of publishers, printers, and artists involved in the world of bookmaking. Its objectives included: (1) bringing together people involved in book publishing and manufacturing, including the writing, editing, design production, and marketing of books; (2) offering its members opportunities to become informed about all facets of the book industry; (3) fostering improvements in the quality of books; and (4) sponsoring one or more annual scholarships to enable qualified and deserving students to pursue accredited educational programs related to the graphic arts industry. Membership in Bookbuilders was open to any firm or individual "in sympathy with the purposes" of Bookbuilders. Government was in the hands of a board of directors, an elected president, two vice-presidents, treasurer, auditor, workshop chairs, and several committees.

Bookbuilders meetings were held roughly monthly, serving as forums for members to exchange ideas and entertain speakers who had strong ties to the industry. Through the years, many noted speakers appeared at Bookbuilders meetings, including publishing magnate and author Bennett Cerf of Random House, humorist Steve Allen, law professor Arthur Miller, author Anatole Broyard, and Boston radio and television personality Paul Benzaquin.

In 1946 Bookbuilders formed a permanent workshop to give members "specific information and assistance in various phases of bookbuilding activities." The first event of the new workshop was an exhibition by Arthur Williams of Little Brown "on the process of making books, from working layouts to the finished product." The workshop sponsored exhibitions, demonstrations, seminars, and practicums.

Just two years later Bookbuilders honored book artist William Addison Dwiggins with an exhibition of his works at the Boston Public Library. The association later established an annual award to honor Dwiggins' memory, given to the individual who "has contributed significantly to the creation of books and has demonstrated interest and service to the bookbuilding community." In addition to the annual Dwiggins Award, Bookbuilders granted annual scholarships to students interested in the art of book design and manufacture.

The Bookbuilders began the New England Book Show in 1957 to "encourage and celebrate excellence in bookmaking." Entitled "Publisher's Choice 1957," firms were encouraged to submit titles which they took "particular pride in publishing" and which rose "above the level of craftsmanship that is satisfied with slavish adherence to past patterns." The show proved to be an immense success, and the New England Book Show went on to become the most prominent exhibition of its type in the Northeast. Categories for entries included: General Trade Illustrated, General Trade Unillustrated, College Texts, Elementary and High School Texts, Juvenile, Professional Illustrated, Professional Unillustrated, Specialty, as well as a separate competition for jackets and covers.

Bookbuilders was the oldest organization of its type in the United States until 2022, when it ceased operations following the results of a survey of membership indicating that “there [was] not enough interest and energy to maintain Bookbuilders of Boston in the form that it took pre-pandemic.”

Sources:

"Bookbuilders of Boston, 1937-1987," legacy finding aid, John J. Burns Library control files, 2012.

"Bookbuilders of Boston to Shutter Operations," Publisher's Weekly, May 2, 2022. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=3734