A semi-automatic book sewing machine comprises a base and an actuation device, wherein the actuation device comprises: a mobile platform glidingly contacts a base; a rotary drum driven to spin locally by a motor; a bottom panel installed on the mobile platform's bottom and having a panel fixture block at one side; a manual adjustment kit used in driving the mobile platform and the bottom panel for displacement; two slip joint plates glidingly contacting the base and the mobile platform; a linkage connected between two slip joint plates; at least a push-pull member connected to the linkage for outward and inward movements back and forth; a binder plate pivotally fitted at the linkage and communicating with the push-pull members for pivotal compression and separation under the effect of the push-pull members.