Virginia Library Association Announces Departure of Executive Director Lisa Varga, Named Associate Executive Director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office
 VIRGINIA BEACH - The American Library Association (ALA) announced the departure of Virginia Library Association's (VLA) Executive Director Lisa Varga, who has accepted a new position as the Associate Executive Director of ALA's Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C. Varga will begin her new role on April 21, 2025, after nearly 15 years of outstanding leadership at VLA.
Her last day with the Virginia Library Association is April 15, 2025.
Lisa Varga has been a tireless advocate for Virginia’s libraries. Known for her courageous defense of intellectual freedom, Varga spearheaded efforts to defeat legislation that threatened First Amendment rights. In 2024, she played a pivotal role in defeating four bills in the Virginia General Assembly, and in 2023, she helped defeat 11 bills that could have restricted access to library materials for students across the Commonwealth.
While no task was ever too small, Varga’s leadership extended far beyond day-to-day operations of VLA. She brought a personal touch to advocacy, empowering library workers and communities across Virginia to stand up for their rights and defend access to information. Varga’s dedication earned her national recognition as the 2024 Librarian of the Year, an honor bestowed by Library Journal.
As Lisa Varga prepares to assume her new role with the ALA, the VLA will continue to thrive during this time of transition through the VLA Executive Committee. The organization will build on Varga's legacy in continuing her commitment to advocating for libraries and all library professionals.
VLA is grateful for Lisa Varga's years of service and leadership. We will miss her guidance and leadership, but look forward to her continued success with the American Library Association.
News about next steps for the Virginia Library Association will be available shortly. |
Now Accepting Session Proposals for the 2025 VLA/VLACRL Annual Conference
 The Virginia Library Association's 2025 Annual Conference will be held from Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 3 in Richmond, Virginia at the Richmond Marriott.
We are now accepting session proposals through three submission forms; a general VLA session form, VLA's Chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries (VLACRL) form, and the Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL) form. General VLA sessions are selected by the 2025 VLA Conference Committee. The VLACRL hosts a "conference-within-a-conference"; their session proposals will be peer reviewed by their chapter. Please note that all VALL sessions will run on Thursday, October 2 only.
This year, we celebrate the transformative role of libraries in education, technology, advocacy, and access, with the conference theme of “With Libraries, All Rise.” We welcome engaging, innovative, and thought-provoking proposals that highlight how libraries uplift and support patrons, staff, and their broader communities. Proposal topics may include expanding equitable access to resources, libraries as community advocates and change makers, and emerging technologies or innovative programs that foster a sense of belonging. Whether you are a first-time presenter or a seasoned expert, proposals are welcome from all library professionals, partners, and subject matter experts. The deadline to submit a proposal is Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Know Your Session Type Before You Submit
- Presentation – A 30-minute presentation on a particular issue, program or service followed by a 15-minute casual discussion and/or Q & A session with audience. Usually features 1-3 speakers.
- Panel Discussion – A moderated session featuring multiple speakers focused on a particular issue, program, or service. Panel discussions allow panelists to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences about a particular issue, program, or service followed by discussion driven by audience participation. May feature 3-5 speakers including a moderator.
- Poster Session – Create a poster to showcase your program or research. This combined event on Wednesday evening will incorporate public, academic, special libraries and library partnerships and coalitions. The maximum size of a poster is 4 feet by 4 feet.
FAQs
How are proposals selected?
The 2025 Conference Committee reviews and selects the conference proposals. VLACRL proposals will be peer reviewed by the chapter. Please see the VLACRL submission form for their guidelines.
Are speakers required to register for the conference?
Yes, all speakers must register. Up to two presenters per session receive $75 off the conference registration fee.
When will I know if my proposal is accepted?
All submissions will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of decisions by May 2025.
Can I select the date and time I present?
Please rank your preferred times in the proposal form. Requested session times and dates will be honored wherever possible.
What is provided for presenters?
Please bring your own technology, such as a laptop, adapters, and charger. We will provide AV equipment, such as microphones. Presenters are required to use microphones - we appreciate that many presenters feel comfortable speaking loudly, but this is not accommodating to our members with hearing differences. Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference center. However, if you are using visual aids, we recommended downloading something like your slide deck beforehand.
I am an author/vendor who would like to speak at the conference. Do I submit a proposal?
We recommend submitting a proposal outlining what you would like to cover in your presentation.
I'm having technical difficulties submitting a proposal - who do I contact?
Please email the VLA administrator at [email protected]
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2025 VLA Awards: Call For Nominations
DEADLINE EXTEMDED - The Virginia Library Association is now seeking nominations for our 2025 Awards. These awards will recognize contributions of library workers in Virginia during 2024. Please use the online submission form to submit your nominations by the deadline of April 1, 2025
Our awards recognize excellence in librarianship and library services in Virginia. Submit a nomination that allows us to celebrate your mentees, mentors, coworkers, or friends on a statewide level. We invite resubmissions if you have submitted a nomination in the past that did not win.
Virginia Library Association award winners are determined by the VLA Awards and Recognition Committee, with the 2025 committee chaired by Rachel Kopchick of the Virginia Beach Public Library. The Award Winners will be honored at the VLA Annual Conference in October 2025 in Richmond, Virginia.
Each nominee must meet the criteria for the award for which they are nominated. Nomination forms and accompanying documentation must be submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. on April 1, 2025. Visit the VLA Awards page to view a complete list of VLA awards and their criteria.
New Awards in 2025 Celebrate Intellectual Freedom
The Virginia Library Association announces two new awards for 2025 that focus on excellence in intellectual freedom. Learn more about the new awards below.
Intellectual Freedom Advocacy Award
This award recognizes a significant contribution to the defense or awareness of intellectual freedom in libraries. Nominees may include public, school, or academic libraries; individual libraries staff; community organizations; and individual community members.
The award consists of a certificate or plaque presented at the Annual Conference.
 Intellectual Freedom Promotion Award
This award recognizes an exemplary program, event, display, or activity that promotes or increases awareness of intellectual freedom issues in libraries. Public, school, and academic libraries are eligible.
The award consists of a certificate or plaque presented at the Annual Conference.
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2025 Virginia Library Association Scholarship Applications Open
Deadline to Apply EXTENDED: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
The Virginia Library Association will award three scholarships for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science at ALA-accredited schools. Each scholarship is worth $3,000. Funds may not be applied to student loans or as a reimbursement for past credits.
The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:
- Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
- Undergraduate degree.
- Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school. Must be earning a Master of Library Science Degree.
- Membership in the Virginia Library Association
- For the Clara Stanley VLA Professional Associates Forum Scholarship: current employment at a Virginia library is required.
Awards will be determined based on an applicant's evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia, financial need, potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession, and academic excellence.
In order to be considered, your application must include two professional references. One of the two references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional.
The Scholarship committee will review the applications. You will be notified of the Committee’s decisions by summer 2025. Scholarship winners are celebrated at the annual VLA Conference, to be held in Richmond, VA on October 1-3, 2025. This year's winners will receive a total of two fully paid nights at the conference hotel to attend —an invaluable opportunity for professional growth and networking.
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