Originally formed as the Bytown Book Artists, the Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG [pronounced cabbage]) is a volunteer-run organization whose mandate is to create a spirit of community among bookbinders and book artists and between these individuals and the wider book community; to promote greater public awareness of bookbinding and the book arts; and to foster excellence in bookbinding and the book arts by organizing education opportunities and exhibitions.
Membership in the CBBAG Ottawa Valley Chapter is open to any individual interested in the “art of the book” including, but not limited to, bookbinders and book decorators; book collectors, dealers, archivists, and conservators; librarians; calligraphers; paper-makers and marblers; letterpress and other printers; and wood engravers.
The CBBAG Ottawa Valley Chapter meets the second Wednesday of each month (September through June) from 7 to 9 pm at the Library and Archives Canada Building at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa. The meetings are open to both members and the general public and involve presentations on a wide variety of topics and a sharing of ideas and projects completed by Chapter members. The Chapter also organizes a series of weekend workshops each year to provide hands-on training in a variety of book arts related skills.