Throughout my years making books, I’ve learned one truth: there are many bookbinding organizations, but only a few act as a gateway to the entire community. If you’re new or growing in this space, I encourage you to check out these organizations and consider becoming a supporting member. Membership cost and benefits vary by different bookbinding organizations (more below), so I’m going to discuss each one and let you decide what makes sense for your unique bookbinding journey.
I’ve separated the organizations out into USA and UK for ease, but all of them can be joined whether you reside in America or overseas. Alright, let’s go!
Note: All bookbinding organizations data provided below is current as of 2025. Some costs or benefits may change without my awareness, so please visit their websites for the latest information.
USA – Guild of Book Workers
Standard Membership Costs (2025): $100 per year; $10 extra per chapter joined
Additional membership options: Students, families and group memberships available at varying costs
Why I recommend the Guild of Book Workers
In my opinion, the Guild of Book Workers is a true gateway to the larger bookbinding community here in the United States. The organization consists of a primary chapter with subsidiary chapters posted around the country. Each year, the Guild hosts a Standards of Excellence in Hand Bookbinding Seminar. The multi-day event is held in a different city around the country each year and brings together a ton of bookbinders and book-adjacent professionals and vendors.
Each day will typically feature a handful of speakers who share their ideas, techniques and experiences with the audience through speech and demonstrations. If you can’t make it, membership allows you to view the presentations via video afterward. This was especially important for me, because I haven’t been able to visit the event in person (yet!). Believe me, when I do attend, I’ll be making a big deal about it here on my blog… ha!
I personally help the Northwest Chapter with their social media presence on Instagram and with different projects as needed. Most recently, I helped organize the Weathergram Exchange project to celebrate Earth Day 2025 and bring together communities with positive messages. It was so much fun!
More about the organization:
The GBW was founded in 1906, so its been around for a long time. They’re keen on creating connections and interest in bookbinding while also supporting the various crafts involved in the production of books (such as paper, printing, education, etc). Many members are well-known book makers, printers, collectors, tool makers, restorers and conservationists, but there are also a ton of normal people like me who just love being here.
Benefits of membership:
- Bi-monthly newsletter
- Annual journal published & mailed your door
- Discounted registration for the annual Standards of Excellence in Hand Bookbinding Seminar
- Regional chapters (for a more local experience)
- Traveling Exhibitions
- + more
UK – The Society of Bookbinders
Standard Membership Costs (2025): $78 USD per year
Additional membership options: Several, but most are applicable to UK residents
Why I recommend The Society of Bookbinders
When I first started making books, I joined The Society of Bookbinders. The United Kingdom has a long history with bookbinding and I wanted to understand their perspective and the evolution vs. current state of the craft.
The Society of Bookbinders has a primary chapter with regional outlets (just like the US-based Guild of Book Workers). As a member for many years, I was always impressed by their visitation of historical, old world styles and traditions while also promoting modern design.
One of my favorite benefits of membership was receiving the annual BOOKBINDER, 60+ page journal featuring wonderfully informative articles and full color images of historical and contemporary bindings, tools, works of artists and much more. I discontinued my membership in 2024 to focus on local organizations, but I sure do miss that journal!
More about the organization:
The Society of Bookbinders was founded in 1974. They’re focused on preserving traditional bookbinding skills and promoting contemporary book arts. They’re the largest group of bookbinders in the United Kingdom and serve as a connection point for European book makers. Like many of these organizations, The Society offers a multitude of workshops, events and exhibitions to their members.
Benefits of membership:
- Flagship journal, BOOKBINDER, published and mailed annually
- Membership Directory
- Seminars and educational events
- Regional chapters (for a more local experience)
- Exhibitions and awards
- + more
USA – Hand Bookbinders of California (HBC)
Standard Membership Costs (2025): $40 USD per year
Additional membership options: Students, families and group memberships available at varying costs, honorary & scholarship options
Why I recommend The Hand Bookbinders of California
There’s an obvious advantage to those living in California when it comes to this group, but it’s offerings are truly borderless. The volume of bookbinders in California gave this organization a true advantage, one that now extends to everyone regardless of where they may live. Each year, they host an annual members exhibition where books across all types and skill levels are submitted for public view. This opens up opportunities for book binders to have their work visible to fellow artists, collectors and others in the community.
More about the organization:
The HBC was founded in 1972 by book makers and collectors who were looking for a chance to meet up, discuss ideas and share their passion for bindings. Since then, the group has grown to include a healthy membership with a full board of directors that administer scholarship opportunities, membership benefits and organize events like the annual exhibition and learning workshops within the art of book making itself as well as adjacent fields (marbling, printing, restoration, conservation, etc).
Benefits of membership:
- Annual membership exhibition
- Membership Directory
- Workshop discounts
- Scholarships & awards
- Presentations & events
- + more
More great bookbinding organizations
There are many more bookbinding and book-adjacent organizations out there. Some of my favorites are bookbinding specific or book-adjacent. They include:
- Partners in Print
- San Francisco Center for the Book
- Puget Sound Book Artists
- Book Arts Guild
- Designer Bookbinders (UK)
Feel free to check these out at your own pace. You don’t have to join every single organization. Just pick one and go with it!
I really hope this post was helpful. Please reach out to me if you have any other bookbinding organizations to mention or groups you’re a part of that are hidden gems for the rest of us. Take care!
More bookbinding goodness
✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?
- Bookbinding Tools & Supplies Quick Start Guide – learn all about book making tools, which to buy first & where to go online
- Pick up my popular Complete Starter Bookbinding Tools Kit – all the bookbinding essentials in one spot
🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books?
Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.
Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!
Misty
