Who/What is NHLA?

The 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:

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), and have important local library issues recognized on the state level.

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, Paralibrarians, 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 600+ 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.

Who Can Join NHLA?

Any individual associated with libraries in New Hampshire may join.  From library staff to trustees, to students and members of Friends organizations, and even vendors at our events...all are welcome.  A lifetime individual membership category is also available.  Please note that membership is for the calendar year, January through December, and is for individuals, not institutions.

NELA Extended Membership Option

NHLA also offers an “Extended Membership” with the New England Library Association (NELA).  For an additional $20, NHLA members can also become NELA members ($15 a year for students or trustees).  Your NELA “Extended Membership” will be based on a calendar year, January through December, the same as your NHLA membership.  We do not offer institutional memberships; this discount is for individual members only.  Note: in order to receive this special extended membership, you must sign up for it through NHLA, not through NELA.