Membership Information

NHLA welcomes you as a new member!  Just print a membership application and mail it in.

What is NHLA?

New Hampshire Library Association, established in 1899, is the statewide professional organization which represents the interests of New Hampshire’s libraries as well as their personnel, trustees, and library supporters. NHLA’s mission is to:

  • advance the interests of its members through advocacy on library issues and increase public awareness of library service,
  • support the professional development of its members,
  • foster communication and encourage the exchange of ideas among its members,
  • promote participation in the association sections.

Who can join NHLA?

Any individual associated with libraries in New Hampshire may join, from library staff to trustees and members of Friends organizations. Students who are studying towards their Masters in Library Science may join for a nominal annual fee. A lifetime individual membership category is also available. Vendors may join NHLA as corporate members. Membership is for the calendar year, January through December. For a complete list of membership categories, please download the current membership application.

What does NHLA do for New Hampshire libraries and librarians?

Support – NHLA members receive the benefit of NHLA’s advocacy efforts in the state legislature, the Governor’s office, and other areas of state government to assure that New Hampshire’s libraries

  • receive necessary support and resources from the New Hampshire State Library (such as ILL van service and free or reduced charge access to online database subscriptions),
  • have important local library issues recognized on the state level when necessary.

Education – NHLA offers its members scholarships and interest-free loans for graduate study as well as mini-grants for professional development. Members also receive reduced registration rates for a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the year, designed to help library staff at all levels keep up with the ever-changing world of information science and maintain the excellence that New Hampshire residents have come to expect from their libraries.

Information – NHLA members receive regular updates on national and state news and information that affects New Hampshire’s libraries through the NHLA web site, blogs, and other electronic communications from the seven NHLA sections (Academic, CHILIS, IT, READS, Small Libraries, YALS, and URBANS).

Growth – NHLA members have access to numerous opportunities for networking and involvement through NHLA sections. These opportunities to plan meetings, develop educational programming, evaluate trends, and develop resources for other NHLA members help prepare library staff for leadership roles within their own libraries.

NHLA is the voice for libraries in New Hampshire. Please consider adding your voice to our current membership of 500+ individuals.  For more information, please contact any member of the executive board.

Please also notify a board member if your email or mailing address changes.

2014 Membership Application Form