About the Virginia Library Association

The purpose of the Association is to develop, promote, and improve library and information services, library staff, and the profession of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to information in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Since its founding in 1905, VLA has grown in number; expanded the scope of its organization; engaged legislatively at the state and federal level; provided its members with newsletters, scholarly journals, and a website; and supported library education, training, and outreach.

For more information, please read Alyssa Altshuler’s piece, The Virginia Library Association: A Retrospective.

In 2021, VLA's Executive Committee and Council approved our Strategic Priorities. These strategic priorities inform the designated agenda each year and will be reviewed in that process. They should be used as a guide for all VLA Committees and Forums.

Contact the Virginia Library Association

Virginia Library Association
c/o Nan Carmack, VLA Interim Executive Director
PO Box 56312
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 689-0594 or Fax (757) 447-3478

Email: Nan Carmack, VLA Interim Executive Director

For VLA Website or Listserv needs, please contact the VLA Communications Manager at [email protected]

Past Presidents of the Virginia Library Association - 2020's

2024
Nan Carmack, The Library of Virginia

"As a 20+ year veteran of public libraries, I am currently teaching in ODU’s MLIS program and consulting for libraries of all kinds nationally. I have launched my sons and step-daughter who are thriving. As an empty nester, I pay too much attention to my four dogs. I’m intensely curious about the intersection of neuroscience and leadership and hope to share more on this topic with the Association at large."

Learn more about Nan and her presidency here.

2023
Kimberly B. Knight, Virginia Beach Public Library

2022
K.T. Vaughan, Washington & Lee University

K.T. Vaughan is the University Librarian at Washington & Lee University. Learn more about K.T. and her presidency here.

2020-2021
Jennifer Resor-Whicker, Radford University

Jennifer Resor-Whicker serves as the University Librarian at Radford University, where she has been a member of the library faculty since 2010. She has held numerous leadership roles within the Virginia Library Association, including Secretary (2016-2018), Vice President/President-Elect (2018-2019), President (2019-2021), and Immediate Past President (2020-2022, 2025). In 2017, she chaired the VLA Annual Conference Committee. Jennifer is also a long-time co-chair of the Innovative Library Classroom Conference, which has convened annually since 2014. A devoted fan of Star Wars and all things Disney, she enjoys spending her free time planning her next Disney adventure. Learn more about Jennifer and her presidency here.

Past Presidents of the Virginia Library Association - 2010's and Beyond

2019: Jessica Scalph, Prince William Public Library System
2018: Todd Elliott, Portsmouth Public Library
2017: Keith Weimer, University of Virginia
2016: Martha Hutzel, Central Rappahannock Regional Library
2015: Suzy Szasz Palmer, Longwood University
2014: Kevin Smith, York County Public Library
2013: Lisa Lee Broughman, Randolph College
2012: Connie Gilman, Prince William Public Library System
2011: Matt Todd, Northern Virginia Community College
2010: John A. Moorman, Willliamsburg Regional LIbrary

2009: Robin Benke, University of Virginia at Wise
2008: Donna Cote, Central Rappahannock Regional Library
2007: Pat Howe, Longwood University Library
2006: Ruth Arnold, Staunton Public Library
2005: Ruth E. Keifer, George Mason University
2004: Edwin S. Clay, Fairfax County Public Library
2003: Morel Fry, Old Dominion Univerity
2002: Iza Cieszynski, Newport News Public Library
2001: Cy Dillon, Hampden-Sydney College
2000: Carolyn Barkley, Virginia Beach Public Library

1999: Sandra Heinemann, Hampden-Sydney College
1998: Tom Hehman, Bedford Public Library System
1997: Lisabeth Chabot, Mary Baldwin College
1996: Caroline Parr, Central Rappahannock Regional Library