2016 Reminders and Events

Hello VLA supporters!

Thank you to the 600+ of you who have already renewed your 2016 VLA Membership; your commitment to your professional association allows us to continue to provide programming, scholarships and conferences as well as networking opportunities for you and your colleagues!

Some things to look forward to this year:

• Apply for the 2016 Virginia Library Leadership Academy by January 15. A generous sponsorship by BCWH makes this event even more affordable that ever before.
• Join the panel of judges for the first-ever VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Awards (judge’s application to be posted by the end of this month.)
• Attend the VLAPAF Mini Conference with Kim Weitkamp on January 21 at the Culpeper County Library.
• Apply for a VLA Scholarship (deadline March 15; more information will be posted on the VLA website soon). This is VLA’s 25^th year of awarding scholarships!
• Browse and utilize VLA’s new CQ Engage portal for important legislative information and initiatives. Find and contact your legislators with just a few clicks!
• Submit a program session proposal for the VLA Annual Conference (online submission form will be posted in January with an April 15 deadline.)
• Attend the 2015 VLA Professional Associates Conference (May 2 in Williamsburg; registration opens in February.)
• Participate in National Library Legislative Day (contact State Coordinator Christie Hoerneman for details!)
• Attend The Innovative Library Classroom at Radford University on May 11-12 (registration to open in March.)
• Nominate a colleague for the 2016 VLA Awards (deadline May 15.)
• Learn more about Virginia library staff through our monthly People and Happenings column, and be sure to share your news with us!
• Be one of the 5,000+ monthly visitors to VLA’s Jobline! Is your organization hiring? Post your vacancy for just $100 for 90 days!
• Take part in Spring and Summer events hosted by VA’s Chapter of College and Research Libraries (VLACRL – more details will be sent as soon as they are available.)
• Gather with hundreds of your colleagues at the 2016 VLA Annual Conference at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA, October 26-28 (registration opens in July. Celebrate the Homestead’s 250^th anniversary by staying for 2 nights for $250.)

We’ve got a lot of other projects organized by volunteers just like you. Be sure to renew your membership and watch your email and the VLA Calendar for more events!

GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED 2016-2018 BIENNIAL STATE BUDGET

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS AND SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEES OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL HOLD REGIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED 2016-2018 BIENNIAL STATE BUDGET, AS FOLLOWS:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 (Hearing begins at 10:00 a.m.)

• Fredericksburg – University of Mary Washington, University Center, Chandler Ballroom
• Wytheville – Wytheville Community College, Grayson Hall, Snyder Auditorium

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 (Hearings begin at 12:00 noon)

• Chesapeake - Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake Campus, Student Center Multipurpose Room
• Central Virginia – City of Richmond, General Assembly Building, House Room D

The purpose of the hearings is to receive comments on the Governor's proposed amendments to the 2016-18 biennial state budget. Those persons wishing to speak may register at each hearing site no earlier than one hour prior to the start of the hearing.

2016 National Library Legislative Day

Registration for National Library Legislative Day 2016 has opened! The event will be held in Washington, D.C. on May 2-3, 2016 at the Liaison Hotel.  

This two-day advocacy event brings hundreds of librarians, trustees, library supporters, and patrons to Washington, D.C. to meet with their Members of Congress to rally support for library issues and policies. As with previous years, participants will receive advocacy tips and training, along with important issue briefings prior to their meetings.

Your firsthand library experience - from behind the reference desk or as a patron - is an invaluable part of helping legislators to understand the impact that libraries have in the day to day lives of their constituents. I hope you will consider joining us!

VLA Professional Associates Forum Mini Conference

PLEASE JOIN US!  The VLA Professional Associates Forum (VLAPAF) is inviting all VLA members and non-members alike, to join us on January 21, 2016 from 10:30 am – 3:30 pm at Culpeper County Library for an exciting presentation by the well-known spoken artist, Kim Weitkamp, who will be giving us tips and tricks on Marketing Your Library.  Box lunch is included.  Seating is limited, so register early!

Cost is $30 for VLA members and $45 for non-members. For more information and to register, click here: http://bit.ly/21tb0FJ

Questions? Contact Kathy Clevenger, VLAPAF Co-Chair.