CoLibri is a commercial book covering system commonly used in libraries to create custom-fitted polyethylene book covers to protect and preserve paperback, hardcover, and/or red rotted leather bindings. This system requires a special CoLibri welding machine that heat-seals and trims the CoLibri covers together around the book (see Fig. 1).       

​CoLibri covers are:

• Most often used by CCH to secure publisher's jackets over contemporary hardcover books.
• Made from durable, non-toxic, water resistant, and 100% recyclable polyethylene material.
• Transparent and flexible, and can be easily removed or replaced without damaging the book.
• Available in three standard sizes that can be adjusted to fit a wide range of books.   
  

                                          Fig 1. - A standard CoLibri welding machine. Illustration by Jake Shonborn.

  

Step 1

• Choose a standard sized CoLibri cover that is slightly larger than the size of the book.
• Insert the back book cover into the right sleeve of the CoLibri cover, and align the bottom edge of the book with the bottom of the sleeve.
• Slide the excess sleeve material under the sealing bar and align the top of the book with the welding line (illustrated by the green box).
• Hold down the levers on the sealing bar to weld and trim off the excess sleeve material.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2

• Following the procedure in Step 1, weld and trim the excess sleeve material at the book's fore-edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3

• Carefully open the book to insert the front cover into the left CoLibri sleeve. 
• Weld and trim the remaining side edge.