Max Burrows was the Foreman Binder in the University of Canterbury Library from Feb 1984 to May, 2006. He came to the University after having worked in Whitcoulls as a binder for a number of years.

Max was an outstanding craftsman, who was responsible for the repair and binding of all of the publications received by the Library and other university departments . He also bound theses, dissertations and publications for students. His work was always of the highest quality – when he repaired damaged books, they were often better than they had been when they were new. In addition, he set the same high standards for his staff.

Max was one of the most personable members of the library staff. He had a large number of friends in the University and many of them found their way to the Bindery where he was always a welcome listener (and advice-giver). Outwardly, he loved to present a somewhat gruff manner which, as we soon discovered, masked a very warm and caring nature. He was particularly in his element at morning and afternoon teas where he would sit with his staff and expound on anything, especially politics and sport.

He was a keen golfer and he looked forward to playing more of it during his retirement.

Dick Hlavac, University Librarian (Retired)