A Century of Storytelling: How Bound to Stay Bound Books Became a Cornerstone of Jacksonville

When your company’s 100th anniversary falls in the middle of a global pandemic, you celebrate quietly, but the legacy still speaks volumes.

That’s exactly the case for Bound to Stay Bound Books, a Jacksonville original that has been binding stories and community ties since 1920. Founded by Lawrence D. Sibert on January 20 of that year, the company started as a modest bindery with a clear mission: to give children’s books a longer shelf life in schools and libraries.

Fast-forward a century, and Bound to Stay Bound Books has grown into a national leader in prebound books for the educational market, serving school districts and libraries in every corner of the country. All from right here in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Built to Outlast: Why These Books, and This Business, Stand the Test of Time

So, what makes a business stick around for 100 years? For Bound to Stay Bound Books, the answer is durability, both in product and purpose. Unlike a standard hardcover, their books are prebound using a proprietary, ultra-durable method that ensures they hold up through countless checkouts, backpacks and storytimes.

But it’s not just the binding that makes a difference. Their services are tailored to the needs of librarians: shelf-ready books complete with MARC records, barcodes and custom labeling. This streamlined approach gives educators more time to do what they do best: put quality books in the hands of young readers.

That focus on quality and service has earned Bound to Stay Bound Books a reputation for reliability in an ever-changing industry. While the world of publishing has shifted dramatically with the rise of digital media, the company has stayed true to its mission while evolving alongside it.

“We’re selling more than the physical copy of books,” said Vice President & General Manager Lori Smith. “Our business supports and improves literacy among young readers while helping libraries and other institutions create lifelong learners.”

Rooted in Jacksonville, Growing Nationwide

Bound to Stay Bound Books is a major Jacksonville area employer, supporter and neighbor.

With opportunities in everything from bookbinding and technology to marketing and customer service, the company plays a vital role in the region’s economic health. The average employee tenure is over 15 years.

“It’s not unusual to find multiple generations of families working under the same roof,” said Smith. “It is a testament to the company’s culture of loyalty and care.”

And Jacksonville has played its part, too. Its central location makes national distribution efficient, and the community’s strong work ethic and talent pool have been essential to the company’s growth. Partnerships with local schools, colleges and civic groups have further deepened the roots between business and town.

Beyond Books: A Company That Gives Back

Bound to Stay Bound Books’ impact goes well beyond its headquarters. The company is invested in making Jacksonville stronger, from workforce development efforts and support for local education to sponsorships and volunteering.

Whether backing the Jacksonville Public Library or rolling up its sleeves for a local project, the company believes that a healthy business depends on a healthy community, and it’s committed to both.

Turning the Page to the Future

As the educational landscape evolves, so does Bound to Stay Bound Books. By embracing innovation while holding firm to its core values, the company continues to prove that print books and the people who make them still matter.

And though they may have marked their centennial in the quiet of a pandemic year, there’s nothing quiet about the legacy they’ve built or the future they’re preparing to write.

Because in Jacksonville, some stories are bound to stay bound.

Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) is Eager to Assist

JREDC is your time-saving connection to resources to accelerate your project by providing the facts and figures businesses need: statistical data, general community data, topic-specific information and comparative data. Email JREDC or phone 217.479.4627 for specific information on available buildings and sites, financing and incentives, labor market information, tax information, demographics, traffic counts, retail sales data, economic indicators and trends and zoning information.

Follow JREDC on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.