PLA seeks volunteers for committees, task forces, advisory groups and award juries

Members encouraged to apply by April 12

CHICAGO -- Attention: Public Library Association (PLA) members. Are you looking for ways to expand your professional network and become more active in PLA? Please consider applying to join PLA as a volunteer on one of our committees, task forces, advisory groups or award juries. Our volunteers help shape the Association by advancing its strategic plan and influencing the direction of public librarianship.

Volunteers must be PLA members in good standing for the duration of their appointment. They are expected participate in meetings at ALA's Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting, although virtual participation is possible. Award juries tend to work virtually, so members who can’t travel should consider volunteering for a jury. The maximum number of ALA committees a volunteer may serve on concurrently is three.

If you are interested in volunteering, please login to ALA.org and complete the Volunteer Application Form. Applications are accepted year-round, and members may apply at any time. However, to guarantee that your application will be considered for 2019-2020 term, please submit it no later than Friday, Apr. 12. PLA requires up-to-date information to make its appointments, so prospective volunteers who last applied prior to Jan. 1, 2018 are asked to submit an updated application for the 2019-2020 term. While PLA is not able to accommodate all volunteer requests, we will retain each applicant's name and committee preferences for two years' time to allow for two rounds of appointments. 

To learn more about PLA volunteer opportunities click here or call the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA (5752). Click here to learn about other ways to become involved with PLA.

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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 10,000 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.