Public Library Association

PLA announces plans to commemorate 75th anniversary

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) will officially turn 75 years old on Oct. 13, 2019, and the entire public library field is encouraged to be a part of PLA’s Diamond Anniversary celebration. From now through the PLA 2020 Conference, we will recognize this milestone by reflecting on our storied history, commemorating our achievements, honoring the people who have contributed to our success and preparing for an even brighter future.

2019 Public Library Association Election results

CHICAGO — Today, the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the results of its 2019 Election. Voting was available from Mar. 11 through Apr. 3, and open to all PLA members in good standing.

ALA President to Speak at U.S. Census Bureau Press Conference

On April 1, 2019, ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo will give remarks at a public briefing held by the U.S. Census Bureau to mark the one year out milestone from the 2020 Census.

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.