Welcome to My Catholic Library

The home of hand-bound Catholic books that are good for the soul

My Catholic Library breathes new life into old beloved books, as well as publishing new editions of Catholic classics, using traditional bookbinding skills. Who can I help? Well, are you looking for a gift that’s both special and useful? Maybe it’s a present for a godchild for First Holy Communion, or a friend for their ordination? If so, go to the Bookshop to browse our growing list of titles on spiritual reading, liturgy, and more. Since I make all your books by hand, each one has customisable options so that you’ll get a beautiful, durable, and orthodox book.

What if you’ve got a treasured book already in your Catholic library that’s seen better days? Take a look at the Book Repair page to see how I can deal with ripped or loose pages, damaged covers, and torn ribbons using traditional tools and techniques. You can see examples of my book repair and restoration work, and posts about our published books, on my Blog. Finally, if you want to know why I believe you deserve a collection of books you’ll be proud to call “my Catholic library”, you can find out more about my love for this age-old craft on the About page.

In the Bookshop

MCL
Children's Missal

Holy Mass explained in full colour

MCL
Holy Week Missal

with commentary by Bl. Ildephonso Schuster

Book restoration

Bring your treasures back to life with our restoration service

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 22 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   john galloway 
 6 October 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am pleased to give My Catholic Library 5 Stars.
This is because of my extreme satisfaction with the work that has been done by My Catholic Library following the repair, where necessary, and sympathetic refurbishment of my 100+ year old Family Bible.   While it was being repaired, I was kept fully informed as to the work being done with regular emailed reports and photographs.   These reports advised that My Catholic Library were employing techniques used in the original construction of my Bible, so that its appearance continued to remain authentic for book of its age, of which future generations will be proud.
I am therefore pleased with its appearance, and the time taken to achieve this, and the cost that was involved.    I am also proud both, to pass it into the care of the future generations of my associated family, and with the work done by My Catholic Library to bring it upto it's present condition and appearance.
Finally I would highly reccommend the employment of My Catholic Library for the repair and refurbishment of Books of the age of my Family Bible.
  
 
       
   Richard Bailey 
 10 July 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark restored four volumes of Omnia Opera of St Bernard of Clairvaux - a nineteenth-century edition. He is a perfectionist and that is precisely what he achieves! I am about to give him several more books to 'resurrect'.
  
 
       
   Eileen Smith 
 24 June 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark has recently repaired my Small Missal which had been in a very poor condition. The missal had been given to me in 1954 by my brother on his wedding day when I had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid that day. I had been looking for someone to repair the Missal for years but couldn’t find anyone who provided this service - but most importantly someone that I could trust with such an important possession and heirloom.
My prayers were answered when my parish priest (Fr Christopher) placed Mark’s details in the church bulletin.
I am so thrilled with the end result. My Missal has been given a new life. I am so happy and thrilled at Mark’s craftsmanship and I would certainly be happy to recommend Mark.
  
 
       
   Lisa Greene 
 19 May 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have just seen the wonderful work and restoration Mark has achieved with my late Fathers 30 year old Psalter. It is an incredible gift and talent he has ! I was so moved to be able to hold the book as my Dad used to morning and night. This will be treasured for life by our family. Thank you for the care and craftsmanship you put into this. Lisa Greene ( daughter of Marie)
  
 
       
   Marie Greene 
 18 May 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve just received my late husband’s 30 year old Psalter from the creative hands of Mark.  I can’t believe the transformation.  It’s a much used and much loved prayer book but over the years had lost its ribbons and outer cover to name just a few of its battle wounds!  But thanks to Mark it’s now in a beautiful leather cover and box with new ribbons.  I can’t thank Mark enough for its restoration.  Don’t hesitate to contact Mark if you’d like a treasured book to be given first class treatment. Just see what a poor state the prayer book was in before Mark restored it to new life on the attached photos.  Incredible.
  
 
       
   Paul Grady 
 9 May 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark repaired an old prayerbook to an exceptional standard sympathetic to its age and original details.  Would highly recommend to others for any book repair
  
 
       
   Mary Jones 
 10 April 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had two of my missals recovered by Mark and I am utterly impressed. It is beautiful craftsmanship and I would recommend his services to anyone. 10/10!
  
 
       
   Stephen Robinson 
 18 December 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently took a lectionary which had been damaged accidentally to Mark Chatwood at My Catholic Library. The spine edge was hanging loose and I felt it might be beyond repair. However,  Mark was able to use his amazing bookbinding skills to fully restore the lectionary to its former complete state. This included colour matching the cover of the book. The lectionary is now back in its rightful place on the lectern in church and, thanks to Mark, the Word of God can be proclaimed again! The cost of the repair was very reasonable and we at the parish of St John Fisher RC Church, Kearsley are extremely grateful for Mark's experienced  knowledge and expertise in being able to restore our treasured lectionary. We thoroughly recommend My Catholic Library to everyone who has a treasured book in need of tender loving care.
Thanks again Mark.
Stephen Robinson - on behalf of Father Bryan Cunningham, parish priest of the parish of St John Fisher RC Church and the Shoenstatt Pastoral Centre, Kearsley, Bolton.
  
 
       
   delia nye 
 27 November 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely job from Mark I feel like I have a new Missal not a 60 - 70yr old one.   Thank you Mark
  
 
       
   Ricardo Amaya 
 19 November 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm very pleased with Mark's job, it restored my fifty-year-old missal to be like new. I believe even better because of the brand-new covers made of calf leather and endpapers. Mark even resorted to completing some missing Saints Day pages.  Many thanks, Mark, great job. Glory be to God!