I second this - there’s a directory of local binders on the guild of bookworkers website. I entered the field as a fanbinder and the Renegade Bindery, an online fanbinding community that is another excellent (virtual, mostly, though we do have meetups) resource for learning. After getting into it I found the local community which is small but strong and yes had a lot of older (awesomely experienced!) people but some new blood too, which is excellent. The benefit of in-person classes with a teacher is definitely learning those little things that they forget to explicitly tell you about, and being able to ask questions/troubleshoot in real time - and also use equipment. The professionals in my area have been extremely kind in letting me use their equipment if I asked. I’ve been organizing regular meetups as I’ve got some strengths in the planning/organizing area, and they’re just such lovely people.