PaLA Personal Members - Pennsylvania Library Association

PaLA Personal Members

Who are Personal Members?

Personal Members of PaLA are individuals who support libraries through membership in PaLA.

PaLA is the only association in Pennsylvania that advocates for all types of libraries - public, academic, school and special - and provides a voice for Pennsylvania's 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
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

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

Annual state conference, chapter meetings and other professional development and educational opportunties 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

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

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.

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