Become a Virginia Library Association Member

The Virginia Library Association (VLA) brings together the people who empower their libraries to make a difference in their communities. When you become a member, you join a statewide network of 5,000+ library workers, students, trustees, and advocates working together to strengthen libraries, protect intellectual freedom, and expand access to information across the Commonwealth. VLA membership helps you grow your skills, build lasting professional relationships, and support the future of libraries in Virginia.

Join today as an individual, affiliate, or student member to begin your journey with the largest professional library Association in the Commonwealth. The VLA membership year runs January 1 - December 31. Memberships are not pro-rated.

Individual Members

Individual membership is for library professionals, supporters, and advocates who want to make an impact on libraries across Virginia. Individual membership is open to anyone with an interest in libraries in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including current or past library staff, administrators, trustees, Friends groups, students, volunteers, retirees, and vendors. Whether you work in a library or simply believe in their power, VLA gives you a place to learn, connect, and speak up for libraries at the state level.

What You Gain as an Individual Member:

• Professional development opportunities through workshops, webinars, and the VLA Annual Conference.
• A voice in statewide advocacy supporting funding, access, and intellectual freedom.
• Opportunities to serve on committees, participate in forums, and develop leadership experience that makes your resume stand out for future employers.
• The ability to vote in VLA elections and help shape the direction of the association.
• A network of colleagues across public, academic, and special libraries throughout Virginia.

Cost of Individual Membership is based on annual salary, with no increase in dues since 2021. Find the cost of your yearly dues below.

Students have the option of becoming an individual member or a joint member of VLA and the American Library Association. Learn more.

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate memberships are a cost-effective way for libraries to invest in their entire staff. Affiliate membership allows a library or library system to enroll all employees under one organizational membership, ensuring that every staff member has access to professional development, networking, and statewide advocacy. This model strengthens your organization while building a more connected and informed library workforce across Virginia.

Affiliate membership is open to public, academic, school, special, and government libraries and is based on the library’s annual budget. A designated Key Contact at your library manages your roster and can easily add or remove employees throughout the year.

Affiliate Membership Includes:

• Membership for all employees, including non-degreed librarians, support staff, and trustees.
• Discounted registration for all VLA events and conferences.
• The ability for staff at every level to serve on committees, participate in forums, and vote in VLA elections.
• Direct connection to statewide initiatives, training, and leadership opportunities.

Affiliate Membership FAQ's

How does it work?
Once your library pays the Affiliate Membership fee and you link those who work for you, everyone will be able to create a member login for our website. Memberships established at that time will be effective through December 31 of the following year. 

We want to join as affiliate members! What next?
Each organization needs a Key Contact to complete the membership form. You can add all employees when you complete the membership form, or you can add them later. Here are directions for adding them later. Once a staff person is added, they will be able to create their own password to log into the VLA website. All staff members will then be able to participate in VLA elections, committees, and forums.

What is a key contact?
A Key Contact is the person at your library system who will manage your group's account. This includes managing the annual invoice, adding and removing employees to the account, and registering employees in bulk for the Annual Conference. Please see the Key Contacts Guide for tips and tricks for adding staff to your account.

Can staff just become Individual members of VLA? Are we required to participate in the Affiliate Membership?
No, this is not a requirement for any system and all library systems in Virginia can purchase individual memberships for interested staff. However, we think you’ll notice a significant cost savings when compared to the cost of individual staff membership, especially if you send more than two non-members to the VLA Annual Conference each year. You may be surprised by staff members who take advantage of their VLA membership and develop their leadership skills!

Who is eligible for the the Affiliate Membership program?
All Academic, Public, Government, Law, Special/Other libraries in the Commonwealth are eligible.

The Virginia Library Association Thanks Our Affiliate Members:

Student Membership

Start building your professional network before you graduate! Student membership is designed for individuals enrolled in library and information science programs who want to move beyond the classroom and begin building a professional identity in Virginia’s library community. By joining early, you gain access to mentors, real-world learning opportunities, and the connections that can help launch your career.

Student Member Benefits:

• Deeply discounted membership rate
• Reduced registration for conferences and professional events
• Opportunities to connect with practicing librarians, potential employers, and mentors
• Eligibility for student scholarships, leadership opportunities, and committee service
• The option to join both VLA and the American Library Association through the Joint Student Membership Program.