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Po Box 410963
San Francisco, CA 94141
USA

A close-knit group of hand bookbinders, with shared interests in creating and collecting fine bindings, joined together to promote hand bookbinding and related book arts and to exchange information and ideas. 

Join/Renew

HBC Membership 2027 Is now Open!

AHBC Membership for 2027 Is Now Open!

HBC’s membership year now runs from January 1 through December 31, rather than following our fiscal year. We hope this change will make it easier to know whether your membership is current.

It will also simplify exhibition registration: members can renew before completing an Intent to Enter form.

Hand Bookbinders of California offers several membership options. You may join or renew as an individual, student, couple, or institution. If you have questions or are unsure which membership is right for you, please contact us.

If you prefer to pay by check, please download the Membership Sign-up Form and mail it with your payment to the address at the bottom of this page.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

$40 Single Membership

Single Membership ($40):

For one individual. Benefits include access to HBC exhibitions, monthly meetings, member-only events, library visits, and workshop discounts and HBC exhibition catalog.

$20 Student Membership

Student Membership ($20):

For students currently enrolled in an accredited bookbinding program, for the duration of their active enrollment. Graduates of the San Francisco Center for the Book’s Core Certificate Program are eligible for one year after completing their certificate. Student members receive full membership benefits.

$45 Double Membership

Double Membership ($45):

For two spouses, domestic partners, or partners living at the same address. Both individuals receive full membership benefits. One HBC catalog will be mailed to address in the membership form.

$50 INSTITUTION Membership

Institutional Membership ($50):

For an organization or group with an interest in books, bookbinding, or the book arts.

Join or Renew Online

Please click the button below and complete both steps:

  1. Submit the membership form.

  2. Select your membership type and complete payment.

Your membership registration or renewal is complete only after payment has been received.

Join or Renew

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Our Annual Exhibition Each year, we sponsor a nonjuried bookbinding and book art exhibition featuring recent works by members. These exhibitions are often hosted by prominent book related venues such as the American Bookbinders Museum and the San Francisco Public Library Rare Book Collection. It is an opportunity for any member of the Hand Bookbinders to showcase their recent work.

Workshop Discount We bring top binders to the Bay Area for workshops that provide hands-on instruction in technique, innovative binding structures, paper decorating, equipment maintenance and many other topics. Members may enroll in these workshops for a discounted price.

The San Francisco Center for the Book serves as the venue for many HBC meetings, including HBC Bindery Nights. Bring your bookbinding project and get tips from experienced binders on how to improve your work. The Center houses letterpress and bookbinding equipment and a resource library.

The HBC Monthly Newsletter Each month, we send an email news journal keeping you informed of past and future events. Have a piece of bookbinding equipment to sell, or looking for something to purchase? We have a classified ads section. We also post notices of notable book-related events by partner organizations.

Membership Directory & Commissions List The HBC publishes a biennial printed directory of members for the use of the membership. A list of members who accept commissions for work is posted to the website to assist potential clients in finding the right person for their project. To have your name and website or other contact information added to the commissions list, enter your information when joining or renewing.

Regular Presentations The HBC holds monthly meetings between September and May with presentations by working bookbinders, booksellers, paper decorators, printers, collectors and other book arts professionals. Free to members and their guests.

Special Events such as book fairs, joint meetings with other local book arts groups, trips to other bookbinding centers and our annual holiday party and summer picnic.