The History of the Public Library Association

• The formation of the "Division of Public Libraries" of the American Library Association was approved by ALA Council in 1944, following petitions signed by nearly 1200 members (ALA Handbook, December 1, 1944 and ALA Bulletin, September, 1945.)
• The original mission of the division was "to advance public library interests and to cooperate in the promotion of library service in general." (ALA Handbook, December 1, 1944).
• Original dues were established as 20 percent of the dues paid to ALA, not to exceed $2.00 (ALA Handbook, December 1, 1944).
• First PLA President was Amy Winslow, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Library (ALA Handbook, December 1, 1944).
• First PLA Executive Secretary (now titled Executive Director) was Julia Wright Merrill. (ALA Handbook, December 1 1944).
• Public Libraries, the official journal of the Public Library Association commenced publication in January, 1947. The first editor was Muriel E. Perry, Decatur Public Library, Decatur, Illinois (Public Libraries, Vol. 1, No.1, January, 1947).