Pennsylvania Library Association

About

Information, events and updates for PaLA Members

Story

Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is the state's oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups.

PaLA represents more than 1,900 personal,institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the Commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and continuing education for librarians.

Mission

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) is a professional non-profit organization with strong volunteer leadership, dedicated to the support of its members, to the advancement of librarianship, and to the improvement and promotion of quality library service for citizens of the Commonwealth. As the voice for Pennsylvania librarians it is the focal point for:
+ Legislative advocacy in support of all libraries and library-related issues
+ Development of library personnel
+ Dissemination of information about professional concerns
+ Visible leadership on issues related to the welfare of members (legal services, job line, retirement plans)
+ Interpersonal networking
+ Developing strategic alliances with other organizations
+ Broad-based advocacy in the interests of its constituents with governmental, private and educational organizations and the public at large
+ Promoting the profession of librarianship to the citizens of the Commonwealth