American Library Association establishes ReMember Fund to help members during times of financial insecurity

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) announced today the launch of a new fund intended to help library workers facing financial challenges keep solid footing as they navigate their career paths.

The ReMember Fund, established with initial funding from ALA, will allow current members to ensure that their fellow library workers can retain membership and connection with vital resources and a vibrant and committed network during times of financial need. Unemployed library workers can apply to receive one-time only sponsorship to cover ALA basic membership dues for one year. “The ReMember Fund aims to ensure that ALA’s library worker members can maintain relationships with each other, no matter their circumstances,” said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. “By staying current in their membership and connected to the field, library workers will remain tied to the library community and to valuable ALA resources that are essential to maintaining career momentum.”

Seed funding will sponsor at least 100 regular memberships beginning in May. The sponsorship of additional memberships will be contingent on donations from members. Recipients will be limited to members who hold current regular, international, library support staff or non-salaried membership types and members whose memberships have lapsed within the last three years. Applicants must be furloughed or unemployed at the time of application and must intend to continue working within library services. Applications for assistance are strictly confidential as are the recipients’ identities.

Early recipients of the fund will also be able to register for ALA Annual Conference at no cost through the complimentary rate for furloughed members.

Depending on availability of funds, sponsorships will be awarded monthly. Applications will be reviewed by Membership Relations & Services (MRS) office, who will contact selected grant recipients.

Members are encouraged to donated to the fund at http://www.ala.org/membership/ala-remember-fund.

In addition to establishing this fund, ALA will continue to offer the following flexible payment options to all members:

• Ability to pay dues through semi-annual installments with a nominal service fee.
• Discounted non-salaried membership for those earning less than $30,000 annually.
• An extended membership grace period of 5 months during the pandemic.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

###