New year, new membership cycle!

After much consideration, HBC has decided to change our membership cycle to begin January 1 of each year, rather than aligning our membership cycle with our fiscal year. We hope this will make things much easier for members, especially when determining whether your membership is current. For those of you who like to enter our exhibitions, it will also make it easier since you will be renewing your membership before filling out the intent to enter form, rather than after.

If you can, we would appreciate you making a "dues donation" this year to help another member in need. We depend on annual membership dues to keep the organization running.

If you prefer to send a check when you join, please download the Membership Sign-up Form and post it to us.

Are you renewed for 2025? Not sure? you can log into your account to verify if you are current. Sign in

Donate to help another member

If you are able, please consider supplementing another member’s annual dues.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Workshop Discount The HBC brings top binders to the Bay Area at least twice a year for workshops that provide hands-on instruction in technique, various book structures, paper decorating, equipment maintenance and many other topics. Members may enroll in these workshops for a discounted price. As well, members may apply for the Jane Aaron Scholarship, which will be granted subject to need.

Our Annual Exhibition The HBC sponsors an annual exhibit of bookbinding featuring recent works by members. It is an opportunity for any member of the Hand Bookbinders to showcase their recent work. Only members who are up to date in dues payments may exhibit; all current HBC members, regardless of whether they choose to exhibit their work, will receive a physical copy of the exhibit catalog.

The HBC Webpage offers general information, a calendar of events & exhibit information, as well as a directory of members for clients and collectors seeking binding services. Visit the site at: www.handbookbinders.org

Membership Directory & Commissions List The HBC publishes an annual 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.

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.

The San Francisco Center for the Book serves as the venue for many HBC meetings. The Center houses letterpress and bookbinding equipment and a resource library.

The Monthly eMail News we send an email news journal keeping you informed of the months' activity. In busy months and for updates, this email news goes out twice monthly.

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

The Gold Leaf, Our Newsletter: The bi-annual newsletter of the HBC, provides information on local and international book arts events, profiles of well-known binders, book news, how-to tips, sources for equipment and supplies, and much more.