Presse Days

Presse Days are a long-standing tradition at Ugly Duckling Presse. On these days, volunteers help bind chapbooks, assemble editions, package subscriptions, print posters, organize our small press library, or sort metal type in the print shop. For each Presse Day, we send a call to our volunteer mailing list and attract community members from all over New York City. There is never any prior experience or knowledge necessary. In October 2025, for example, volunteers learned to score, fold, and construct belly bands for Ways to Move, a hybrid work by Jonathan González theorizing Black movement and expression. 

Attendees leave with new skills, new connections, and free books from our studio. A number of volunteers have deepened their involvement with UDP as editors, staff members, or authors, enhancing our vibrant small press community. Presse Days have even empowered several to start their own small presses with our advice, assistance, and the free use of our space and equipment.

You can sign up to receive notice of Presse Days and other opportunities by emailing office@uglyducklingpresse.org. Volunteers also occasionally help out at events and book fairs, or get involved in more long-term projects when such arise and the time is right.