Join ALA and United for Libraries as a personal member by Feb. 28 and receive a free book

PHILADELPHIA — New United for Libraries personal members who join by Feb. 28 will receive their choice of “The Complete Library Trustee Handbook” or “Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends.” Add United for Libraries to a current ALA personal membership, or join both ALA and United for Libraries as personal member.

In “The Complete Library Trustee Handbook” (a $60 value) Sally Gardner Reed draws on her years of success as a library director and executive director of United for Libraries to provide Trustees with straightforward, easy-to-read guidance on how to make the most of their vital role. She guides readers through important issues such as sustainable fundraising and advocacy, strategic planning, director-trustee collaboration and policy development. A chapter on key issues for libraries addresses intellectual freedom, user privacy, pay equity for library workers, privatization of public libraries and funding.

The introduction of “Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends” (a $74.95 value) sets the stage for effective library/community partnerships. Following the introduction are ideas for innovative programs, successful fundraising, strategic advocacy, powerful public relations, memorable membership campaigns and more. Each idea is presented with practical instructions, graphics and implementation tools so Friends can adapt these programs successfully to match a library’s specific needs.

Join ALA as a personal member to take advantage of this special offer. Rates for regular personal members begin at $66 for the first year. Trustees, friends and foundations pay just $60 each year (foundation staff may join as associate members). United for Libraries membership is $50 per year for most member types, in addition to ALA personal membership. Members choose one section for free; additional sections are $15 each.

Current personal members of ALA can join United for Libraries for $50, pro-rated to match current membership expiration. Current ALA members with less than 90 days until expiration will need to renew their ALA membership and add United for Libraries to receive this special offer.

Offer valid only for new and current personal members of ALA. Offer not valid for group members of United for Libraries or organizational members of ALA. This special offer is only available by calling (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161 or emailing united@ala.org.

United for Libraries members receive access to newsletters, toolkits, special offers, publications, and more. Friends and Foundations members receive access to the new webcast “Leaving a Legacy Through Planned Giving” by Liz Boyd, director of individual and planned giving for The Friends of the Saint Paul (Minn.) Public Library. Visit www.ala.org/united/membership/mbrbenefits for details about member benefits.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.