Announcing a New Publication: The VLA Blog
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has launched the VLA Blog, a new online platform designed to connect members and provide a space for sharing ideas, expertise, and experiences from across the Commonwealth’s library community. The launch of the VLA Blog expands the association’s long tradition of supporting professional development, collaboration, and communication among library professionals. The blog is hosted by Substack to offer members the opportunity to receive posts directly to their email.
The VLA Blog will serve as the organization’s official blog and a hub for timely discussions on librarianship in Virginia and beyond. Members can expect posts on current issues in the field, innovative initiatives, professional experiences, practical resources, and emerging ideas shaping library services today.
Content for the blog will be developed collaboratively by VLA’s forums, members, and leadership. Forum members will contribute monthly posts highlighting topics relevant to their objectives, while additional submissions will be invited through periodic calls for member contributions. The VLA Executive Committee and VLA Staff may also share updates, announcements, and calls to action related to the association’s work. By sharing perspectives and experiences from professionals across the field, we hope to strengthen our community and highlight the important role all library employees play in supporting access to information. Posts are intended to be timely, accessible and practical, offering insights and ideas that benefit library workers across all types of institutions.
The blog is managed by VLA’s Communications and Member Engagement Manager who oversees content coordination and supports member contributors. A special thank you to the forum chairs who will oversee and coordinate member contributions:
Collections and Technical Services Forum (CaTS) - Anita Rose, Blackwater Regional Library
Graphic Novels and Comics Forum - David Titus, Ohef Sholom Temple Library
LGBTQIA+ Forum - Nico D'Archangel, Richmond Public Library
Librarians of Color Forum - Brea Gilliam, Arlington Public Schools
Local and Family History Forum - Annie Hatton, Library of Virginia
Makerspace Forum - Natasha Payne Brunson and Cammy Richards, Henrico Public Library
New Members Roundtable - Joy Doukas, Chesterfield Public Library
Youth and Family Services Forum - Taylor Foreman, Alexandria Library
The launch of the VLA Blog complements the association’s existing publications, including its scholarly journal, Virginia Libraries, and reflects VLA’s continued commitment to fostering communication, professional growth, and collaboration within Virginia’s library community.
To learn more and read the latest posts, visit the VLA Blog directly.
More Information About Blog Policies, How to Contribute, and How to Opt Out
All current members are currently subscribed to receive new posts directly in their email inbox and stay informed about developments within the association and the broader library profession.
Members may unsubscribe at any time or read posts directly on their desktop by accessing the blog's url. Click this link to learn more about VLA's decision to use Substack, about the platform, or how to unsubscribe. Answers to your questions can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page for frequently asked questions. |
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Congratulations to the VALLA 2026 Cohort
The Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA) evaluation team received 87 applications for the 2026 cohort. They are excited to announce the following 22 individuals whose applications strongly demonstrated VALLA’s core commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusivity; personal growth; connection building; and individualized leadership. Each of the 22 individuals selected to attend the 2026 cohort stood out as being diverse and primed to continue to develop their leadership skills and embark on their own, personal leadership journey.
Those accepted to the VALLA 2026 Cohort will begin their individualized leadership journey with a 3-day, in-person, intensive workshop, followed by a year’s worth of leadership topics and mentorship to continue to explore and develop their leadership capacity, at no cost to the participants, thanks to our generous sponsors.
The application evaluation process was anonymous, having redacted any personal identifying information, and multiple evaluators scored each application utilizing a predetermined rubric to ensure an objective decision was reached. The 22 chosen applicants represent different types of libraries: Academic (8), Public (13), and one (1) library school student, with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their acceptance into the 2026 VALLA Cohort:
Allison Brueckner, Massanutten Regional Library
Angie Taliferro, William & Mary Wolf Law Library
Cindy Scheu, J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library
Crystal Boyce, George Mason University
David Mercer, Fairfax County Public Library
Delwyn Elizabeth, Prince William Public Library
Diana Aleman-Davey, Christopher Newport University; Newport News Public Library
Donovan O’Daniel, Roanoke County Library
Emma Daugherty, Suffolk Public Library
Jenny Meslener, George Mason Public Library
Jessie West, Virginia Beach Public Library
John Cyrus, Virginia Commonwealth University
Katherine-An Bishop, Chesterfield Public Library
Keirstin Winslow, Suffolk Public Library
Kelly Pecora, Virginia Beach Public Library
Kelly Senser, Loudoun County Public Library
Kerri Copus, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
Mariam Ismail, Virginia Tech
Marika Mortimer, Student
Natasha Payne-Brunson, Henrico County Public Library
Summer Arawjo, William & Mary Library
Tray (David) Reynolds, Pittsylvania County Public Library
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2026 Virginia Library Association Scholarship Applications - Now Open!
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) Scholarship Committee's scholarship opportunity is designed to recognize and support outstanding individuals committed to advancing the field of library science.
We are proud to award annual scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to deserving recipients who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication to the library profession. Winners will also receive one year of non-prorated joint student membership with the American Library Association and the Virginia Library Association. Applications are due by March 31, 2026. Winners will be contacted summer 2026 and receive recognition during the opening reception of the 2026 VLA Conference in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Criteria
The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:
- Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
- Undergraduate degree (BS, BA, BFA, etc.).
- Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school.
- Must be earning a Master of Library Science Degree (MLS, MLIS, MSLS, MIS).
The major factors considered in making the awards are:
- Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia.
- Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession.
- Academic excellence.
In order to be considered, your application must have two (2) references. One (1) of the two (2) references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional. Your application must include an academic transcript - unofficial transcripts are accepted.
Scholarship Application FAQ's
I'm pursuing an undergraduate degree in library science. Am I eligible?
No, you must already possess an undergraduate degree to be considered for a VLA scholarship.
I'm already a student in a library science program. Is there a credit limit for the scholarship?
There is no credit limit and current library science students are encouraged to apply. However, you must use the scholarship funds for upcoming payments - scholarship funds cannot be awarded to cover the cost of past semesters.
What information do I need to prepare for the application?
The application asks for academic, work, and extracurricular information including, but not limited to, awards, professional memberships, community service, and employment history. In addition, the form will require you to upload:
- 2 letters of recommendation (PDF)
- One essay (PDF/DOC/DOCX formats)
- One undergraduate transcript (PDF)
- One letter of acceptance to an ALA accredited library science program OR an unofficial transcript that shows current enrollment.
Do I have to submit an essay?
Yes, you must write an essay to accompany your application. Your essay is your opportunity to describe your journey in librarianship to the evaluation committee. Your essay must be based on the italicized prompts below.
Choose three (3) of the following five (5) prompts to include in your essay.
- Describe your journey to pursue a master’s degree in library science.
- What made you choose librarianship as your profession? In your response, include examples of patron interactions, projects, research experiences, or initiatives that you are especially proud to have been a part of.
- What are your goals after earning your degree, and how do you plan to contribute to the field?
- Describe how your experiences and/or identities (i.e. race, ability, gender, etc.) have shaped the lens through which you view librarianship.
- What barriers are you currently facing in obtaining your MLIS?
Are official transcripts required?
Transcripts are required but they do not need to be official. You may submit a PDF of an unofficial transcript.
The person writing my recommendation letter would like to submit the letter themselves. Is that possible?The recommender can send an email to the VLA Communications Manager Vanessa Garbarino at [email protected] - please request that they identify themselves and the applicant in the body of their email. Please make the subject line "Scholarship Application Recommendation Letter - Name of Applicant". You will receive an email confirmation when your letter is received. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their recommenders submit their letters, if forwarded to the Communications Manager. If a letter is not received by the closing deadline, the committee will not consider the application. The committee will NOT contact recommenders for a letter. If two letters are not submitted, then the application will NOT be considered.
Do I need to be a member of the Virginia Library Association to apply?
As of 2026, it is no longer a requirement that you must be a member of VLA to receive a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive one year of joint student membership to VLA and the American Library Association upon receipt of their funds. Dues will not be pro-rated and will not include membership to ALA subdivisions or round tables, such as the Association for Library Services to Children or the Public Library Association, as those require additional fees. Membership in forums of your choosing is always free and open to any VLA member.
What will happen if I don't include a portion of the application?
The Scholarship Committee will only review complete applications that are received, in full, before the deadline.
What is the deadline to submit my application?
March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
When will applicants be informed of the committee's decision?
By June 30, 2026.
When will winners receive their award?
Winners will receive scholarship funds following confirmation of eligibility and acceptance and will be honored at the annual conference in October. |
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) and the Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA) recognize the intent behind House Bill 236 and share the goal of protecting the freedom to read and ensuring access to a broad range of ideas for all Virginians. Public libraries have long advanced these principles through professional collection development, established reconsideration processes, and governance models that respond to the needs of their local communities.
However, based on extensive feedback from public library directors across the Commonwealth, VLA and VPLDA must oppose HB 236 as currently written for the following reasons:
1. It Undermines Local Control and Professional Judgment
For generations, Virginia has relied on a framework that combines statewide standards with professionally guided library governance. HB 236 represents an unnecessary move toward centralized oversight that limits professional discretion and disrupts established practices. Existing library policies already address the bill’s stated objectives.
2. The “Model Policy” Requirement Creates Risk and Uncertainty
The requirement that local policies be “consistent with” a state-developed model policy raises significant concerns. Because “consistent with” is undefined, compliance and enforcement remain unclear. Libraries are also concerned that future administrations could revise the model policy in ways that weaken protections for intellectual freedom.
3. The Mandated Reconsideration Process Is Overly Prescriptive
HB 236 imposes a detailed, uniform reconsideration and review process that fails to account for the wide variation among library systems. Directors note that this approach would be administratively burdensome, inflexible, and susceptible to political pressure, replacing effective local practices with a one-size-fits-all framework ill-suited to Virginia’s diverse library landscape.
4. The Bill Encourages Costly and Politically Motivated Litigation
Section § 42.1-45.4 permits any individual with a “vested interest,” or any author, to pursue legal action against a library board over collection decisions, even when there is no intent to censor. This provision invites litigation that could drain public resources and disrupt library services, without meaningfully improving access to materials.
5. It Risks Undermining Its Stated Purpose
Although presented as anti-censorship legislation, many library leaders believe HB 236 could instead be used to pressure or constrain libraries. In a polarized climate, the bill’s rigidity and enforcement mechanisms create opportunities for misuse and unintended consequences.
While introduced with constructive aims, HB 236 was drafted without sufficient input from the library professionals who manage collections, develop policies, and serve communities on a daily basis. For this reason, VLA and VPLDA recommend that the bill be tabled to pursue a
more collaborative and balanced approach.
VLA and VPLDA strongly support the pursuit of a Freedom to Read bill for Virginia, but believe HB 236 requires substantial revision. We urge lawmakers to pause this legislation and consult directly with library professionals and local boards. Proven models from states such as Illinois, Rhode Island, and Maryland demonstrate that intellectual freedom can be protected without compromising local control or professional discretion.
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Applications Now Open for the 2026 Cohort of the Virginia Library Leadership Academy
The Virginia Library Association is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the leadership development program, the Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA). Applications are due November 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
VALLA is a leadership development and mentoring program that is individualized, regular, and accessible. It includes a combination of a 2.5-day in-person workshop, followed by year long, virtual, group mentorship sessions. All aspects of the VALLA program, including the in-person workshop, are no cost to the participants.
Participants in the workshop will leave with an understanding of how to develop an advocacy-based leadership style, decision making skillsets, and self-preservation behaviors. Additional leadership topics will include facilitating communication and interpersonal relationship building, cultural responsiveness, and the art of reflection.
VALLA is for any individual who is interested in developing their leadership style and skills, regardless of where you are in your career, your position in the library, or what your career plans are. We believe leadership occurs at every level. VALLA values the many leadership styles and stages within Virginia libraries and aims to meet individuals where they are in their leadership journey.
Apply using the button below, or use this link to the 2026 VALLA cohort page where you'll find additional information.
VALLA was revived in 2024 through the effort of Clint Rudy, Suffolk Public Library, and Jennifer Scott Brown, current VLA Executive Director. Jennifer Brown was honored as a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2025 for her efforts to redevelop the program.
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