This week’s installment of Five Questions features Marina Giribaldi, owner of Rosehip Bindery & Book Repairs in Silver Spring, Maryland. And she has such an interesting story!
It seems Marina always had a sense of what she was meant to do, beginning with a degree in book conservation from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, apprenticing as a bookbinder, and eventually striking out on her own to create Rosehip Bindery in 2024. I found our conversation particularly fascinating—and I think you'll agree.
In this week’s Five Questions, Marina shares the stories that have stayed with her, her favorite rituals, and what she’s looking forward to.
Pour a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy.
1. What book has stayed with you the longest?
My favorite books of all time are the stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I think I love them all equally. I read them the first time in my teens and they are just as joyful for me to read today in my late 40s. The characters, the way they are described and the atmosphere of Victorian England give me a cozy feeling.
2. What’s the most memorable book that’s ever come across your workbench, and why?
I did a repair on a Gone With the Wind book that was signed by Margaret Mitchell. The owner was an older man who wanted to give it to his caretaker.
"In my job, it is not just the book itself that is memorable but also the story behind it."
3. What ordinary moment has inspired you lately?
When I was looking at my son’s prom pictures and realized he is a young man now. That is a big moment for a mom.
4. What is your favorite daily ritual?
My favorite daily ritual is definitely breakfast—especially the first cup of coffee.
5. What are you looking forward to?
Right now I am looking forward to my trip to Sweden with my son visiting family and friends—especially knowing I met deadlines on projects, but also that I have jobs waiting for me when I get back.
Also on Marina's Nightstand
I just finished reading The Boy in the Shadows by Swedish author Carl-Johan Vallgren. It's a thriller about a man investigating the disappearance of his brother decades earlier, and unearthing dark family secrets along the way.
About Marina
I live in Silver Spring, Maryland with my husband, 17 year old son and two dogs.
I moved to the United States from Sweden in 2007 for an internship at Columbia University in New York City at their conservation lab. Before that I had been an apprentice as a bookbinder for four years in Copenhagen and earned a bachelor's degree in book conservation from The Royal Danish Art Academy.
I worked at a bindery here in the DMV area for 10 years but decided in 2024 to create my own bookbinding company, Rosehip Bindery.
I mainly restore Bibles, children’s books and cook books. But I also make new bindings for old and new books designed by my clients. I also custom make boxes and more. I work with a variety of book cloths, leather, and decorative papers.
Read Along with Marina
Curious about the books Marina mentioned? We've gathered the books mentioned here in one convenient Bookshop.org list.
(Purchases made through Bookshop.org support independent bookstores, and Poplar & Prose may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
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Five Questions is a recurring interview series featuring readers, writers, artists, booksellers, entrepreneurs, and members of our little corner of the literary and local communities. Every conversation offers a glimpse into the guest's own reading life, experiences, and perspective.
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