Among its early members are well-known artist-craft workers such as bookbinder Edith Diehl and printers and typographers William Addison Dwiggins and Frederic Goudy.
In 1978 the Guild became incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in New York State and is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The GBW holds an annual conference called Standards of Excellence (usually shortened in conversation to "Standards"), during which prominent bookbinders or conservators give lectures and demonstrations intended to disseminate knowledge through the field.
The organization includes 10 regional chapters that carry out the Guildʼs mission by offering similar activities in their local areas.
The Chapters produce newsletters, sponsor exhibitions and hold local meetings that feature tours, talks, lectures, demonstrations and workshops.