1. General Provisions and Scope of Agreement

1.1 Acceptance of Terms and Legal Agreement

This Comprehensive Terms and Conditions of Service document (“Agreement” or “Terms”) constitutes a legally binding contract between you (the “User,” “Client,” “Student,” or “Member”) and the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS (“HIVE Center,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a non-profit educational and cultural organization located at 1408 SEWARD ST, EVANSTON, IL 60202-2131. By accessing, browsing, enrolling in any educational program, utilizing our professional Custom Bindery Services, submitting a donation, or otherwise interacting with our website (hctba.site) and physical facilities, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and unequivocally agree to be bound by all the terms, conditions, and policies set forth herein, including our separate Privacy Policy. Your agreement to these Terms is a fundamental prerequisite for participation in any HIVE Center activity or service, establishing the mutual rights, obligations, and responsibilities governing our relationship. Should you disagree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately cease all use of our services, website, and facilities, and refrain from enrolling or commissioning work from the HIVE Center.

1.2 Services Defined and Institutional Mandate

The HIVE Center provides specialized services primarily categorized into three distinct areas: (a) Educational Services, which encompass all scheduled in-person workshops, multi-session classes, lectures, and mentorship programs focusing on bookbinding, letterpress printing, paper arts, and related crafts; (b) Professional Bindery Services, which includes all bespoke custom bookmaking commissions, archival conservation, antique book restoration, edition binding, and related consulting provided to individuals, collectors, or institutions; and (c) Community and Digital Services, which covers website access, membership benefits fulfillment, electronic communications, and fundraising activities. These Terms apply equally and concurrently to all three categories of services, with specific clauses addressing the unique requirements of each. The HIVE Center operates with a core mission of cultural preservation through practical instruction, and this Agreement is designed to support the sustainable delivery of this mission while safeguarding the integrity of our specialized resources and the expertise of our master artisans and instructors.

1.3 Amendments and Modifications to the Agreement

The HIVE Center reserves the sole right and discretion to review, modify, or replace any portion of these Terms at any time without prior written notice, reflecting changes in legal requirements, institutional practices, technological advancements, or the evolution of our service offerings. We will provide notice of significant changes by updating the “Effective Date” at the beginning of this document and, where material changes affect your ongoing rights or obligations (e.g., changes to cancellation policies), by providing direct notification via email to enrolled participants or through a prominent announcement on our official website. It is the User’s sole responsibility to review these Terms periodically for changes. Your continued access to or use of the HIVE Center’s services following the posting of any modifications constitutes your explicit acceptance of those changes, reaffirming your binding agreement to the revised Terms in their entirety.

2. Educational Services Enrollment, Fees, and Conduct

2.1 Enrollment, Registration, and Payment Terms

Enrollment in any HIVE Center workshop, class, or educational program is contingent upon the completion of a formal registration process and the full, upfront payment of the stipulated tuition fee. All fees are clearly stated on the course registration page and are processed securely through our authorized third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), who are solely responsible for compliance with PCI DSS standards. By submitting your payment information, you represent and warrant that you are authorized to use the designated payment method and authorize us to charge your payment method for the total amount of the tuition fee and any applicable taxes or materials costs. Enrollment confirmation is considered final only upon successful processing of the full fee and receipt of a confirmation email from the HIVE Center. Registration is strictly personal and non-transferable unless explicitly authorized in writing by the Programs Manager due to verifiable hardship or exceptional circumstances, with any unauthorized transfer of enrollment immediately voiding the registration without refund.

2.2 Cancellation, Refunds, and Rescheduling Policy

Due to the highly specialized nature of our instruction, the small class sizes required for hands-on mentorship, and the need to procure specific, often high-cost archival materials in advance, the HIVE Center maintains a strict and necessary cancellation policy. (a) Student Cancellation: If a Student cancels their enrollment twenty-one (21) days or more prior to the scheduled start date of the class, they are eligible for a full refund minus a twenty-five percent (25%) non-refundable administrative fee or a full credit toward a future workshop of equivalent value. If cancellation occurs between seven (7) and twenty (20) days prior to the start date, the Student is eligible for a fifty percent (50%) refund or a full credit. No refunds, transfers, or credits will be issued for cancellations made less than seven (7) days prior to the start date, or for any failure to attend the class without prior notification, as the cost of materials and the lost enrollment opportunity are irrevocably incurred by the Center. (b) HIVE Center Cancellation: In the rare event that the HIVE Center must cancel a workshop due to insufficient enrollment, instructor unavailability, or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., severe weather, facility issues), enrolled Students will be notified immediately, and they will receive the option of a full, 100% refund of all fees paid or a full credit toward any future class, ensuring no financial loss to the Student in this circumstance.

2.3 Studio Code of Conduct and Safety

All Students, Clients, and visitors utilizing the HIVE Center facilities, including the instructional studios, letterpress shop, and bindery, must adhere strictly to the Studio Code of Conduct and all safety protocols established by the Lead Instructor and Executive Director. This Code mandates respect for all individuals, property, and, critically, the specialized, often antique, equipment. The use of sharp tools, presses, and chemical adhesives requires careful adherence to instruction; failure to follow specific safety directions, particularly those related to the safe handling of knives, cutters, and operating the letterpress, will result in immediate removal from the class without refund. Students are strictly prohibited from using specialized Center equipment outside of direct, authorized instructor supervision. The HIVE Center reserves the absolute right to immediately and permanently remove any Student exhibiting disruptive, dangerous, or disrespectful behavior that compromises the focused, creative, and safe environment required for high-quality instruction and specialized craft, with all fees forfeited in such an event.

2.4 Intellectual Property and Student Work

All instructional materials, curriculum outlines, handouts, digital presentations, historical examples, proprietary binding diagrams, and specific methods and techniques disseminated during a HIVE Center class or workshop constitute the exclusive intellectual property of the HIVE Center and its instructors (“Course IP”). Course IP is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, or taught commercially by the Student without express written consent from the Executive Director. However, the finished physical book or artistic object created by the Student during the class is the sole and exclusive intellectual property of the Student. The Student retains all rights to exhibit, sell, or reproduce their resulting artwork. By enrolling, the Student grants the HIVE Center a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and display photographs of the Student’s finished work solely for the purpose of promoting the HIVE Center’s educational programs and its mission, unless the Student provides a prior written objection to the Programs Manager at the time of enrollment.

3. Professional Custom Bindery Services Terms

3.1 Quotation, Estimates, and Final Pricing

All professional services provided by the Custom Bindery, including archival restoration and bespoke creation, begin with a detailed quotation process based on the initial project brief, physical inspection of the item (for restoration), and the selection of materials. Any price quoted by the HIVE Center is an estimate based on the anticipated materials cost, labor hours, and complexity as understood at the time of inspection (“Estimate”). Due to the inherent unpredictability of working with antique materials, complex historical structures, or specialized materials acquisition, the final invoice price (“Final Price”) may deviate from the Estimate if unforeseen conditions or necessary changes in the scope of work arise during the execution of the project, such as discovering hidden damage or structural instability in a volume. The Client will be immediately notified in writing of any projected increase exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the original Estimate before the continuation of any work, and the Client’s written authorization of the change order is mandatory before proceeding. Failure to authorize a necessary change order may result in the suspension or termination of the project contract.

3.2 Client Obligations and Item Responsibility

The Client is solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information regarding the condition, history, and specifications of the item(s) submitted for restoration or the precise design and material requirements for a custom commission. The Client accepts all inherent risks associated with working with antique and delicate materials. While the HIVE Center employs master artisans and adheres to the highest standards of archival conservation, the Client acknowledges that the restoration process involves manipulation and treatment that carries a risk of altering the item’s appearance or condition, and the HIVE Center is not liable for minor, unavoidable changes inherent in the conservation process. The Client is responsible for the transport, shipping, and insurance of the item(s) to and from the HIVE Center. The Center’s liability for loss or damage to a Client’s item while in our possession is strictly limited to the declared replacement value as agreed upon in writing at the time the item is received and documented, subject to the exclusions specified in Section 7.

3.3 Project Timelines and Completion

Project timelines provided to the Client are estimates and not guarantees, reflecting the highly custom, often sequential, and labor-intensive nature of specialized book arts work. Factors such as the need for materials curing time (e.g., drying glue, setting boards), unforeseen technical challenges in restoration, the sequential demands of the letterpress shop, and the need to maintain optimal studio climate conditions can all impact the actual completion date. The Custom Bindery Manager will make every reasonable effort to meet the estimated timeline and will communicate promptly any significant delays exceeding ten (10) business days. Failure to meet an estimated timeline does not constitute a breach of contract, provided the Center has made reasonable, documented efforts to adhere to the schedule and communicated necessary delays transparently to the Client. Once the project is completed, the Client will be notified, and the Final Price will be due in full prior to the release or shipment of the finished item.

3.4 Warranties and Liability for Custom Work

The HIVE Center warrants that all Custom Bindery Services will be performed by skilled artisans in a professional and workmanlike manner, utilizing appropriate archival and conservation-grade materials consistent with the agreed-upon Estimate and change orders. This warranty is limited to defects in materials and craftsmanship discovered within twelve (12) months of the delivery date. The warranty does not cover: (a) damage resulting from improper storage, handling, or display by the Client (e.g., water damage, exposure to extreme temperatures, or physical trauma); (b) normal wear and tear commensurate with the age of the original object; or (c) any changes resulting from the natural aging process of materials inherent to the craft (e.g., slight color change in leather). The Center’s liability for any defect, error, or breach of warranty is strictly limited to the repair or, at the Center’s sole discretion, the refund of the price paid for the specific service provided, excluding any liability for consequential, incidental, or exemplary damages.

4. Membership and Donations

4.1 Membership Enrollment and Benefits

Membership in the HIVE Center is offered on an annual basis and requires the payment of the applicable annual membership fee. Membership provides specific benefits, which may include priority enrollment access, discounts on workshops, access to open studio hours, and exclusive invitations to member events, as detailed on the official membership page at the time of enrollment. The HIVE Center reserves the right to modify membership benefits, fee structure, and terms at any time, provided that current Members will retain their existing benefits until the conclusion of their paid term. Membership fees are non-refundable except in extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Executive Director. Misuse of membership benefits, including unauthorized sharing of discount codes or access privileges, will result in immediate and permanent revocation of membership status without refund.

4.2 Donations and Fundraising

All donations submitted to the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS are voluntary, non-refundable contributions made in support of our mission as a non-profit organization. The HIVE Center utilizes all donations in a manner consistent with its institutional goals, including curriculum development, equipment maintenance, scholarship funds, and operational costs. We adhere to all relevant federal and state laws regarding charitable solicitations and receipting. While we make every effort to honor donor requests for specific use (e.g., “funds for letterpress maintenance”), the HIVE Center retains final discretion over the allocation of all funds to ensure the fiscal health and overall mission fulfillment of the organization. Donors will receive the necessary tax documentation for their contributions, and all personal donor information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

5. Website Use, Accounts, and Digital Communications

5.1 Website Acceptable Use Policy

The website (hctba.site) and all its contents, including text, graphics, logos, images, and instructional video snippets, are the property of the HIVE Center or its content suppliers and are protected by international copyright laws. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the website for personal, non-commercial, informational purposes related to our services. Prohibited uses include: (a) reproduction, distribution, public display, or public performance of any content for commercial gain; (b) “scraping” or automated extraction of data, including course schedules or pricing; (c) interfering with the security or integrity of the website or its servers; (d) using the website to transmit malicious code, viruses, or any material that is defamatory, obscene, or infringing upon the rights of others. Any breach of this Acceptable Use Policy will result in the immediate termination of your access privileges and may subject you to civil and criminal penalties.

5.2 User Accounts and Security

If the HIVE Center’s services require you to create an account for enrollment management, membership tracking, or client commission updates, you are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account password and for restricting access to your computer or device. You agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account or password. You must notify the HIVE Center immediately via info@hctba.site upon becoming aware of any breach of security or unauthorized use of your account. The HIVE Center reserves the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, or remove or edit content at its sole discretion, particularly in cases of suspected fraud or abuse of system privileges. We will only use the personal data associated with your account in compliance with our Comprehensive Privacy Policy.

6. Intellectual Property Rights (HIVE Center and Student)

6.1 HIVE Center Content and Trademarks

The name “HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS,” the HIVE logo, and all related names, service marks, logos, and designs are the exclusive trademarks of the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS. They may not be used in connection with any product or service without the prior written consent of the Executive Director. All unique design aesthetics, binding structures developed in-house, and pedagogical methods used in the delivery of our services are protected intellectual property. You may not modify, publish, transmit, reverse engineer, participate in the transfer or sale of, create derivative works from, or in any way exploit any of the content, in whole or in part, found on the Site or provided through the Services, except as explicitly permitted by Section 2.4 regarding Student Work.

6.2 Student and Client IP and Permissions

If a Client provides materials, designs, or original artwork (e.g., illustrations, text, historical objects) for a Custom Bindery commission, the Client warrants that they possess all necessary rights and permissions for the HIVE Center to legally handle, restore, or bind those materials. The HIVE Center claims no ownership over the intellectual property embedded within a Client’s original materials. Furthermore, by submitting content, including photographs of finished student work (unless objected to as per Section 2.4), testimonials, or written reviews, you grant the HIVE Center a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and worldwide license to use, publish, reproduce, and display that content in connection with our mission and promotional activities, acknowledging that you receive no compensation for such use.

7. Disclaimers, Liability Limitations, and Indemnification

7.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

THE HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS PROVIDES ALL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL BINDERY SERVICES, AND WEBSITE ACCESS ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE HIVE CENTER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT: (A) THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE; (B) THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE USE OF THE SERVICES (INCLUDING THE QUALITY OR OUTCOME OF A STUDENT’S ARTWORK) WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS; OR (C) ANY DEFECTS IN THE WEBSITE OR FACILITIES WILL BE CORRECTED. THE USE OF ALL MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK, AND THE CENTER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PHYSICAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY, OR LOSS OF VALUE ARISING FROM PARTICIPATION IN OUR HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AGREE THAT THE HIVE CENTER, INCLUDING ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, INSTRUCTORS, AND AGENTS, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES (EVEN IF THE HIVE CENTER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES), RESULTING FROM: (A) THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE; (B) THE COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS AND SERVICES; (C) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR DATA; (D) STATEMENTS OR CONDUCT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE SERVICE; OR (E) ANY OTHER MATTER RELATING TO THE SERVICE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE HIVE CENTER TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU TO THE HIVE CENTER FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY (E.G., THE TUITION FOR A CLASS OR THE FEE FOR A SPECIFIC COMMISSION) IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE THE CLAIM AROSE.

7.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS, its parent organization, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, instructors, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) your improper use of the Services or facilities; (b) your breach of any term of this Agreement, including the Studio Code of Conduct; (c) your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any intellectual property, privacy, or proprietary right; or (d) any injury or damage caused by your negligence or willful misconduct during your participation in an in-person workshop or while handling Center equipment. This indemnification obligation will survive the termination of your use of the Services and these Terms.

8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

8.1 Governing Law

This Agreement and the relationship between you and the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. You agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within Cook County, Illinois, for the purpose of litigating all such claims or disputes that are not subject to arbitration under Section 8.2. The parties expressly exclude the application of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.

8.2 Informal Dispute Resolution and Binding Arbitration

In the interest of resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively, you and the HIVE Center agree that any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall first be attempted to be resolved informally for a period of not less than sixty (60) days, commencing upon written notice from one party to the other. If the dispute is not resolved through informal negotiations, both parties agree to resolve any remaining dispute through binding, confidential arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitration shall take place in Cook County, Illinois, and shall be conducted by a single, mutually agreed-upon arbitrator. The arbitrator shall have the authority to grant any remedy or relief that a court in the State of Illinois could grant, provided that the arbitrator may not award relief in excess of what these Terms permit. YOU AND THE HIVE CENTER AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

8.3 Time Limit for Claims

You agree that any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to the use of the Services or these Terms must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred, notwithstanding any statute of limitations or law to the contrary.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions and Survival

9.1 Severability and Waiver

If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The failure of the HIVE Center to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the HIVE Center.

9.2 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with the separate Comprehensive Privacy Policy and any written course enrollment forms or custom bindery contracts executed between you and the HIVE Center, constitutes the entire agreement between you and the HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS and governs your use of the Services, superseding any prior agreements, proposals, or communications, whether electronic, oral, or written, between you and the HIVE Center.

9.3 Force Majeure

The HIVE Center shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement if such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God, war, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics, government restrictions, industrial disputes, labor shortages, widespread internet or telecommunications failures, or natural disasters. In such events, the HIVE Center will make reasonable efforts to reschedule services or provide appropriate credits where applicable, as determined by the Executive Director.

9.4 Contact Information for Notices

All formal notices required or permitted under these Terms, including notices regarding breach, termination, or the initiation of dispute resolution, must be in writing and sent to the HIVE Center at the following address:

HIVE CENTER FOR THE BOOK ARTS Attention: Executive Director / Legal Department 1408 SEWARD ST EVANSTON, IL 60202-2131 Email for non-legal correspondence: info@hctba.site

Notices will be deemed given when received by the HIVE Center. By agreeing to these Terms, you represent that you have the full legal capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement.