University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Skeuomorph Press & Book Lab​

Summer Open Hours
Sundays: 1-5pm

About Skeuomorph Press

Skeuomorph Press is an experiential research and pedagogy studio for the history and art of the book, directed by Ryan Cordell and sponsored by the School of Information Sciences. We aim to facilitate experimental research, creative projects, teaching, and learning through technologies of text. Our current work interrogates how we might utilize historical technologies in conjunction with contemporary technologies.

The Book Lab features a Reliance iron hand-press, a Chandler & Price jobbing press, a Vandercook proofing press, cabinets of type, four typewriters, and an Apple IIe—but we are always expanding! We host open hours for visitors to come in and try things out.

No prior experience required! If you want to print a postcard or a poster, design woodcuts, work with linocut, learn how to bind a book, or experiment with manual and electric typewriters—please come in! All community members and project ideas are welcome.

Email Ryan Cordell or Isabella Viega for any inquiries. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates on projects, workshops, and events.

Starting Sunday, May 21

Summer Open Hours

Sundays: 1-6PM

Let’s make something awesome! All community and university members are welcome to stop in and create cool things using our tools and software during our open hours. – Don’t know where to begin? Staff are here to answer questions and help you get started.

The Lab will be closed: 

  • 5/28 – Memorial Day Weekend
  • 6/18 – Juneteenth Weekend
  • 7/2 – 4th of July Weekend