Get Involved with PLA
PLA is here for you throughout your career, offering endless opportunities to grow professionally and make an impact in the library field. Check out the PLA Member Journey Roadmap to learn how.
Volunteer with PLA
Looking to get more involved with the Public Library Association? Volunteering for a committee or advisory group is a great way to expand your professional development and make an impact in the library field. Member volunteers help select our conference programs, develop our annual survey, plan the Public Libraries magazine's editorial calendar, and more! Check out the full list to see what interests you.
Please complete the volunteer form (ALA login required) by Wednesday, January 24, 2024 to be considered for the 2024–2025 service term. Selections will be made by the PLA president-elect and notifications will be sent by June.
Also, PLA is looking for members to serve as reviewers for current or future PLA grant and/or scholarship applications. If interested in this ongoing opportunity, complete the volunteer form (ALA login required) and select PLA Grant/Scholarship Reviewer Pool.
Share Your Expertise
Want to be part of PLA's successful online continuing education program?
If you have an idea for a webinar you'd like PLA to present, we encourage you to submit a proposal. PLA opens a call for webinar proposals twice per year, with deadlines of April 30 and October 31 of each year. Please contact plawebinars@ala.org with any questions or concerns about the webinar proposal process.
Be Featured on PLA’s Member Spotlight
Does your library have an innovative idea, partnership, or service? Have you recently received a promotion, award or scholarship, or other type of professional win? We want to hear from you! PLA is highlighting the amazing work our members do. Contact communications associate Eliana Kleiman (ekleiman@ala.org) for a chance to be featured in the next PLA Member Spotlight! Selected members will be featured in PLA Insider, Public Libraries Online, and PLA’s social media channels.
Contribute to Public Libraries Online
Contribute to the Public Libraries Online site to have your voice heard. We’re always seeking new and diverse writers.
Write for Public Libraries Magazine
Public Libraries, published six times a year, is the official publication of the Public Library Association. ALA’s only journal devoted exclusively to public libraries, Public Libraries magazine offers important industry news, PLA/ALA updates, and columns and feature articles that offer strategies and ideas that can make a difference in your career. Submissions to Public Libraries are invited and encouraged. If you’re interested in writing a feature article, a shorter opinion piece, reviewing books, or sending press releases, please contact the editor, Kathleen Hughes at khughes@ala.org to discuss your idea and deadlines.
Connect with PLA
Join a PLA Interest Group
Join a PLA interest group on ALA Connect to engage with public library people who share the same interests as you. Interest group access is limited to PLA personal members only.
Post to the PLA Member Community
PLA's member community is a virtual space on ALA Connect for sharing knowledge and seeking assistance from colleagues on any topic related to public library service. Post ideas, questions, links to interesting information—anything you wish to share or engage over. Personal PLA membership is required to participate.
Follow PLA on Social Media
Join the PLA social media networks that are right for you including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
Support PLA
Become a Member
Our member opportunities bring library people together, so they can strengthen what makes their library unique and invent what comes next.
Give to PLA
Your gift supports PLA's efforts to strengthen public libraries and the communities they serve. Thank you to our PLA donors!
Sponsor PLA
PLA Sponsors are leading companies and organizations that make a commitment to support the work of the association and the nearly 9,000 members we serve. Thank you to our current PLA sponsors!
Advertise with PLA
Advertising opportunities in Public Libraries, the official journal of PLA, and PLA's electronic products: Public Libraries Online, PLA Insider, PLA E-Blast, and webinar sponsorship.
