91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Eva Poole, director of libraries for the Denton (Texas) Public Library has been elected the 2012-2013 president of the Public Library Association (PLA). Poole will become PLA president-elect at the conclusion of the 2011 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) Annual Conference this June and will assume the PLA presidency in June 2012 for one year.

Poole said, “I am simply thrilled to have been chosen to serve as PLA president for 2012-2013. At such a critical time for public libraries, it is an honor to offer my passion and leadership to PLA to ensure that libraries remain vital, valuable, and visible.”

Poole has held leadership positions in public and community college library settings over the past 30 years. She has been a member of PLA and 91´«Ã½ since 1991, serving on numerous PLA, Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) and 91´«Ã½ committees, including the PLA board of directors and the LLAMA board of directors, and is currently serving as an 91´«Ã½ councilor at-large. In addition, Poole served as president of the Texas Library Association from 2003–2004.

Also on the ballot this year were seven board vacancies. Results are as follows:

• 91´«Ã½ Division Councilor -
• Directors At-Large (One-Year Terms) - 1st position: ; 2nd position:
• Directors At-Large (Two-Year Terms) - 1st position: ; 2nd position:
• Directors At-Large (Three-Year Terms) - 1st position: ; 2nd position:

PLA membership also voted overwhelmingly (71.4 percent) to approve a dues increase. In September 2011, personal and student member dues shall increase gradually at $5 per year for four years, retired member dues shall be set at $60 and organizational and corporate member dues shall be set at $100.

“This was PLA’s first request for a dues increase in 18 years, and I’m so pleased that our members understood its necessity and approved the increase,” said PLA president Audra Caplan. “Because of their support, PLA can confidently fund existing benefits as well as develop new and innovative ways to serve members in the upcoming years.”

Two additional ballot items, were also approved.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit .

PLA is a division of the 91´«Ã½. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.