PLA opens call for self-nominations for 2025 PLA election

CHICAGO — The PLA 2025 Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for the positions of PLA president-elect and two directors-at-large on the 2025 spring ballot. PLA encourages self-nominations from members with leadership or board experience, who have been involved with PLA (committee volunteer, scholarship recipient, grantee, etc.), and are passionate about shaping the future of public libraries.

To self-nominate, members must submit a candidate biographical form (ALA login required). The submission deadline for self-nominations is Oct. 15, 2024. Self-nominations will help ensure the Committee's slate of candidates represents diverse communities, library sizes, and geographic locations. Members from small and rural libraries are encouraged to apply and as board members may be eligible for meeting travel funding.

As the chair of the Nominating Committee, PLA past-president Maria McCauley stated, “The self-nomination process aims to increase pathways for diverse and underrepresented candidates to share their expertise and make an impact in the public library field. As PLA strives to uplift libraries as places of equitable opportunity, it is vital that the next slate of candidates comprehensively represents the needs of its members, including those from small and rural public libraries.”

The information provided in the candidate biographical form will be used to populate the election web ballot. Please note it is your responsibility to verify the information you have submitted is accurate to the best of your knowledge. The American Library Association (ALA) staff will not proofread or edit your information. After submission, you may go back to your form to edit and refine your information until Dec. 13, 2024. It is important to submit your form to be considered. PLA members will be notified of their candidacy status after the close of the nomination period.

The 2025 PLA election period will be March 10, 2025 – April 2, 2025. Find more information about the ALA elections. Learn more ways to get involved with PLA.

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About the Public Library Association
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.

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