05/21/2026
This Monday our Club welcomed Sarah Dillingham of R&R Bindery Service, Inc. as our guest speaker!
Sarah shared the fascinating story of her family’s bookbinding business, which has been family-owned since 1978 and grown from a garage in Virden, Illinois into a state-of-the-art bindery and print facility in Girard. She highlighted the various types of book making services R & R offers. She also joked that she first went to “work” at the bindery when she was only two weeks old!
Before joining the family business, Sarah spent 21 years in education as a teacher and reading specialist, helping students develop a love for reading and the written word. With advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Administration, she brought a unique perspective on the evolving role of books in today’s classrooms.
Sarah discussed how traditional books continue to serve as vital tools for classroom instruction, curriculum support, academic reference, and deep reading. While digital learning provides convenience and portability, physical books still play an important role in promoting focus, comprehension, and retention, leading many schools to adopt a balanced hybrid approach.
She also shared the impressive scale of the family business, noting that R&R Bindery produced and served approximately 4.5 million books last year alone. This volume of production is a testament to the continued importance of quality printed materials in education and beyond.
To top it off, Sarah generously brought beautifully crafted journals and bookmarks for members to take home for personal use. Our Club appreciated this thoughtful reminder of the enduring value and joy of the printed page.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your family’s incredible legacy and your insights into the future of books and education!
