The Vermont Library Association (VLA) is an all-volunteer organization, with more than 300 members. Membership is open to everyone. We couldn't operate without your support. Join VLA or renew or adjust your membership today by going to our membership portal.
VLA membership is rolling, which means renewal occurs annually on the date of your payment (versus the first of the year). VLA members qualify for extended membership at a reduced rate in the New England Library Association (NELA). Library students qualify for ALA/VLA joint membership.
Membership Levels
Individual Memberships
- Birch – $25 – Salary of $10,000 or less. Non-employed or retired. Trustee or Friend.
- Pine – $35 – Salary between $10,001 and $30,000.
- Maple – $50 – Salary of $30,001 or greater.
- Cedar – variable – Library student ALA/VLA joint member.
Note: these are new and simplified membership levels, changed in 2022. If you have any questions about membership, please email members@vermontlibraries.org
Membership Benefits
- Fun meeting librarians statewide.
- NELA Extended Membership at $20 annually per person.
- VLA News, our member-only e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox quarterly (organizational members receive one issue to the email on file that they share with interested persons within their institution).
- Free self-registration for the VTlibraries listserv, as well as other online communities.
- Access to the Vermont Library Substitute Pool, either as a potential employer or temp/sub employee.
- Recognition at the Vermont Library Conference in five award categories, as well as for non-VLA achievements, such as receiving the Vermont Department of Libraries' Certificate of Public Librarianship.
- Registration discounts on the annual Vermont Library Association Conference and VLA Section and Committee events.
- Joint membership with ALA at a significantly reduced rate for qualifying students enrolled in MLS/MLIS, CAEP, and LTA programs.
- Reduced membership registration for the Vermont Golden Dome Children's Book Award conference.
- The opportunity to attend the New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) with financial support.
- Discounted tuition for Drexel University’s online Master’s in Library and Information Science.
- Eligibility for professional development scholarships, including up to $1,500 for an MLS/MLIS/MSLIS degree.
- Mentorship opportunities with other VLA librarians.
- Voting rights on VLA ballots, and an invitation to serve on the VLA Board.
Your membership supports state-wide initiatives and advocacy for libraries and librarians in a number of ways:
- The John Swan Intellectual Freedom Fund is administered through VLA, coordinating a lecture series that brings nationally known speakers to Vermont.
- Our salary compensation research, which we provide to librarians, trustees, and employers.
- VLA officers represent our interests on the New England Library Association (NELA) and American Library Association (ALA) boards.
- VLA advocates for libraries with state and federal government officials, as well as individual libraries faced with reading materials challenges, difficulties in information access, protection of patron privacy rights, and related issues.
Need More Information?
See our Membership FAQs.
Still have questions? Contact the Membership and Outreach Committee. We're here to help.
Erica Shott
Membership and Outreach Committee Chair
members@vermontlibraries.org
Last updated August 16, 2023.