Public Library Association (PLA)

PLA announces webinar series on cultural intelligence in libraries

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced it will host a webinar series for library professionals on the topic of cultural intelligence. The term “cultural intelligence,” popularly abbreviated as CQ, refers to a person’s ability to function effectively across the boundaries that divide nations, ethnic groups and organizations.

PLA opens Public Library Data Service survey for Fiscal 2018

CHICAGO — All public libraries in the U.S. and Canada are invited to complete an important survey, which collects important information on public libraries' finances, resources, service usage and technology from Fiscal Year 2018. A summary of the survey data is published annually in PLA's Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report. The FY 2018 survey is opening later in the year due to administrative delays.

Public Library Association unveils 2019 award winners

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the winners of its 2019 awards and grants, honoring the best in public library service, innovation and outreach. Award and grant recipients are chosen by member volunteers who serve on PLA’s Award Juries.

Polls now open in 2019 PLA Election

Voting Deadline: Wednesday, April 3

CHICAGO -- The voting period has begun in the Public Library Association's (PLA) 2019 Election. Members will have an opportunity to elect three new directors to the PLA Board of Directors and weigh in on an important ballot measure.

PLA announces collaboration with Capital One aimed at increasing financial well-being through libraries

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) is working with Capital One Financial Corporation to bring innovative financial literacy resources to public libraries across the U.S. Through this project, PLA and the American Library Association will help public libraries nationwide learn about Capital One’s Ready, Set, Bank℠ program, which teaches consumers basic mobile banking skills.

Public Library Association, National Network of Libraries of Medicine join in supporting the NIH’s All of Us Research Program

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) has expanded its partnership with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), a program of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). In 2017, the two organizations launched Promoting Healthy Communities, a nine-month project to assess health information needs among public librarians and share free health literacy resources. The goal of Promoting Healthy Communities is to increase public library workers’ knowledge and skills related to consumer health services.

PLA now accepting proposals for 2020 Conference

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) officially opened the Call for Proposals for educational sessions to be presented at its next biennial conference, to be held Feb. 25-29, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. The PLA 2020 Conference will highlight innovative work and ideas that address the core challenges facing public libraries and their communities today.

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.

ALA, Grow with Google kick off economic opportunity initiative in public libraries nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the American Library Association (ALA) and Google launched a national tour of libraries as part of the Grow with Google initiative. The Grow with Google tour will consist of free, one-day events hosted at local libraries in cities and towns across the country, where Grow with Google experts will deliver in-person workshops for job seekers, small businesses, and library staff.