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Our Detailed Timeline

1921

Grover Hertzberg and his brother, Ernie, started Hertzberg Bindery (later changing the name to Library Binding Service, Inc.).

1925

Fred James, Sr. and his son Fred James, Jr. moved to Des Moines to join the bindery. They built our original building at 2134 E Grand Ave.

1961

LBS applied for a patent on its printed book covers for periodicals and children’s books (granted in1964).

1980

Fritz James purchased Library Binding Service, Inc. from his relatives.

1983

Fritz James started a new division known as Corporate Image.

1986

Fritz James started a new division known as Archival Products.

1994

LBS co-sponsored a Books on Demand Symposium with Xerox Corporation.

1996

Library Binding Service became known as
LBS and moved into its corporate offices at
1801 Thompson Ave, Des Moines, IA

1999

LBS introduced its exclusive cover material, Verona®.

2000

LBS began the transition of upgrading its endsheet machines to state-of-the-art high-speed equipment.

2011

LBS trademarked its Universal™ and Combined® endsheets.

2012

LBS expanded its endsheet production
into two separate facilities.

2013

LBS trademarked its PRIMEONE® cover board.

2014

LBS became an employee-owned company (ESOP).

2021

LBS acquired Gane Brothers & Lane.

2022

LBS launched our exclusive coated cloth line ALLURE® and acquired Cover Material Sales, Inc.

2023

LBS was named “Employee-Owned Company of the Year” by the IA/NE Chapter of The ESOP Association

2025

LBS acquired Pilgrim Packaging.