91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - At 1 p.m. CST, March 2, the Public Library Association (PLA) will present a 45-minute, free Member Update webinar to inform and encourage member engagement within the organization and throughout the field of public libraries.

A number of PLA membership benefits offer members the opportunity to contribute and make a difference both within and beyond their libraries. The PLA Member Update webinar will have brief introductions to getting involved in public library advocacy and contributing to discussions and projects in the PLA Communities of Practice. Attendees will also receive a preview of the upcoming , 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST March 30.

In addition, to help members make an informed vote during the 2011 elections (March 16 to April 22), the PLA Member Update webinar will and help attendees be ready for the ballot. This election implements the . PLA membership will be responsible not only for deciding the PLA president-elect, but also for electing candidates to 91´«Ã½ Division Councilor and eight vacancies on the PLA Board.

This year on the ballot there are also three items requiring a member vote: a member dues increase, an adjustment to the member dues schedule and an update to the PLA bylaws. . During the webinar, PLA President Audra Caplan will explain the decision to request a dues increase and help members understand the necessity of raising dues for the first time in 18 years.

Registration for the PLA Member Update webinar is free and is open to both members and nonmembers alike.

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.