Member Benefits

Personal Membership is open to individuals who work in Pennsylvania libraries. All library roles are welcome to join!

Make the case for employer-paid membership dues.

Benefits include:

◊ Networking

• Connect with a network of colleagues who will provide valuable assistance in professional development
• Access to the online membership directory of colleagues working in all types of libraries across Pennsylvania
• 24-hour jobline for employment listings
• Numerous networking opportunities to meet with peers and expand the circle of valuable library contacts through state, regional and local activities
• Access to our Members Only section of the web site

◊ Professional Development

• Annual state conference, chapter meetings and other professional development and educational opportunities in cooperation with other library organizations and the Office of Commonwealth Libraries
• The PaLA Bulletin, which provides librarians with opportunities to be published
• Input about speakers and topics through their local chapter, divisions and round tables
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills

◊ Education

• Awards, scholarships and continuing education grants
• Education and information sharing for library support staff
• Earn ALA accredited MLS degree online through Drexel University and receive a 25% tuition discount

◊ Advocacy

• Pennsylvania Library Association advocates for all types of libraries - public, academic, school and special - and provides a voice for librarians, support staff, trustees and friends
• Sponsorship of state legislative activities and participation in national efforts in cooperation with other state and national library organizations
• Stay informed about state and federal library issues with electronic issues of the PaLA Bulletin (4 issues a year)
• A partner in the fight against censorship
• Award programs honoring outstanding library service and association involvement
• Support for library service to children and older adults
• Promotion of lifelong learning and literacy
• Promotion of Pennsylvania libraries through association activities and exhibits at state and national conferences

Individual membership rates:

Individual membership dues are determined by membership type.

• Personal Regular: Dues are calculated according to Annual Gross Salary at $3 for each $1,000 of salary, with a minimum of $30 and a maximum of $185. For example, an individual who earns $30,000 annually will make a dues investment of $90 ($30 x $3).  This membership category is for library staff, including professional, paraprofessional and technology-related positions. Your membership amount will be calculated from your gross salary amount on the checkout form.

• Personal Student Member: Dues are $30. This membership category is for either full-time students or for part-time students who are pursuing a library-related degree and simultaneously working in a Pennsylvania library. Students joining with PaLA/ALA Joint Membership should not use this form, rather visit the ALA web site. Student membership and ALA joint student membership are limited to five years.

• Personal Trustee Member: Dues are $30. Trustee Membership is available to trustees currently serving on a library board.

• Personal Lay Member: Dues are $30. Lay Memberships are open to anyone who is interested and supportive of Pennsylvania Libraries including friends of libraries groups, or others not employed in a library related position.

• Personal Retired Member: Dues are $30. This membership category is for retired persons who are interested and supportive of Pennsylvania Libraries.

• Continuing Retired Member: No charge for membership. This membership category is for retired persons who held PaLA membership for a minimum of 25 continuous years at the time of retirement. You must contact the office to become a continuing retired member.

Register online as a Personal Member 

PaLA membership dues and donations may be tax deductible as we are a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Please consult your tax advisor.