Your state library association, also known as an ALA Chapter, needs your help to support libraries in your state. If you're not already a member, right this very minute is the best time to join!
Indeed, it’s not only a good time to join, with budget cuts and worse directed at libraries in many states, it’s also imperative— now more than ever—to support your state library association’s efforts to advocate for and support libraries, librarians, and library workers within your state.
Your Chapter membership will also benefit you personally and professionally:
- You’ll receive discounts for attending your state association’s annual conference;
- You’ll enjoy networking with other students, librarians, and library workers;
- You’ll be able to participate in opportunities to mentor students; and
- You’ll learn about other opportunities and services available to you from your state library association!
Moreover, not only does your state library association promote general library service and librarianship within your state, it also provides representation to the Council of the American Library Association and cooperates in promoting general and joint enterprises with ALA and other library groups.
State library associations also partner with ALA in the ALA joint membership program. As of September 1, 2015, 37 Chapters allow students to join the Chapter and ALA for one low price of $38, from now through August 31, 2016. Go green and join online today!
If you need more reasons to join or have questions, you can certainly contact your state library association. Find your state library association’s contact information on the State and Regional Chapters page. Here you will also find contact information for your state library association’s elected officials and advocacy information. Have more questions? See Chapter Answers.
After joining your state library association, which will help you in your chosen field, if you’re a student, also join your Student Chapter! Here are many, many reasons why! Here is one more: Forty ALA Student Chapter Members to Participate in the 2015 Student to Staff Program. Here is another: Where Are Future ALA Leaders? Most Likely in the Fifty-six ALA Student Chapters! Have more questions? Here are some answers!.