Membership Benefits

The Public Library Association, with more than 9,200 members, is one of the fastest-growing divisions of the American Library Association—the oldest and largest library association in the world. PLA’s purpose is to advance the development and effectiveness of public library service and public librarians. Based in Chicago, PLA is a member-driven organization. The association exists to provide a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members and others interested in the advancement of public library service.

The Public Library Association is your resource for staying on the cutting edge of new ideas, hot topics, and current trends in public librarianship. PLA is ideal for public librarians, trustees, non-MLS public library employees, library vendors, and anyone else interested in public libraries!

Membership benefits include:

Substantial member discounts on registration for the PLA National Conference, the PLA Spring Symposium, PLA Preconferences at the ALA Annual Conference, publications, audiotapes, and more.
Exclusive access to the members-only PLA Electronic Newsletter, including breaking news and updates from the PLA office.
Unlimited networking opportunities. PLA events bring together librarians from across the country, allowing you unlimited chances to develop your personal network of colleagues.
Public Libraries magazine. Published by PLA, Public Libraries contains feature articles packed with the latest tips, techniques, new products, how-tos, news and reviews.

Your PLA dues also include free membership in any or all three of our special-interest clusters, where you will meet other professionals who share your specific concerns:

Library Services: Committees within this group will focus on how public libraries and librarians can improve their services for library users, including service to children, the business community, literacy services, rural community, and homeschoolers.
Library Development: Committees within this group will focus on the working activities in which public librarians participate in their careers, such as those involving bibliography, collections development, continuing education, library collections, technology, and similar activities.
Issues and Concerns: Committees within this group will focus on activities that serve the library profession as a whole, such as those reviewing legislation, intellectual freedom, and research.

In addition, volunteering to serve on one of PLA’s many division-wide committees will provide you with valuable contacts and ideas, not to mention with opportunities to work alongside colleagues from across the country to improve library services.

PLA IS FOR YOU! JOIN TODAY.