Polls now open in 2018 PLA Board Election

For Immediate Release
Mon, 03/12/2018

Contact:

Laurence Deutsch

Manager, Communications

Public Library Association (PLA)

ldeutsch@ala.org

Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 4

CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association's (PLA) 2018 Election. In the 2018 PLA Election six nominees, listed below, will stand for three positions on the Board of Directors: PLA President and two Director-at-Large seats. These are crucial leadership roles that will guide PLA into the next several years, ensuring the organization delivers on its core purpose to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. The polls will be open from March 12 through April 4, and the election results will be announced on April 11. For the 2018 elections, eligible members will receive their voting credentials via email between March 12 and March 14. Any individuals whose emails bounce will be sent a “snail-mail” letter with their voting credentials. To be eligible to vote, individuals must be members in good standing of ALA as well as applicable divisions and round tables as of January 31, 2018.

Candidates for PLA President (2018-2019)

Nicolle E. Ingui Davies
Executive Director
Charleston County (S.C.) Public Library

Ramiro S. Salazar
Director
San Antonio (Texas) Public Library

Candidates for Director-at-Large

Seat A

John Spears
Executive Director
Pikes Peak (Colo.) Library District

Kelvin Watson
Director
Broward County (Fla.) Libraries Division

Seat B (Small/Rural Library)*

Sue Considine
Executive Director
Fayetteville (N.Y.) Free Library

Cindy Fesemyer
Library Director
Columbus (Wisc.) Public Library

*Per an August 2017 board resolution (PDF, 2 pgs.), for PLA to better represent the needs and interests of library staff from public libraries of all sizes, the 2018 slate shall include two candidates from small/rural libraries (those with service area populations less than 25,000 people), who will run opposite each other to ensure one PLA board member represents that constituency.

ALA Election Information

PLA has also released a statement against the current ALA ballot measure, and in favor of retaining "MLIS preferred" status for the next ALA executive director. Please visit the PLA Election Page to read the statement. Also, learn more about the ALA Elections and the candidates for ALA President (2019–2020), Wanda Brown and Peter Hepburn

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About PLA
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.