VLA Council Meeting highlights from January 29, 2016

Submitted by Terry Long, VALL Liaison

·         The VLA annual conference was a success.

·         The cost to post on Jobline has increased from $75 to $100. This increase will help keep the dues at the current level.

·         VLA is in a strong financial position as have a healthy reserve fund.

·         Lisa Varga, Executive Director, wants VLA to push for a license plate promoting libraries. She explained the process to council. She said a member of the General Assembly would have to introduce the bill next year after a commitment had been made to purchase the plate by at least 450 constituents. It is a good way to raise the profile of libraries.

·         Legislative agenda is on VLA’s web site.

o   They are asking for an increase in state aid. The Governor’s budget does not increase state aid. With the governor asking for an increase to the education budget, VLA is asking for the increase to state aid because of the effectiveness of the summer reading program in the public libraries.

o   Of interest is HB 336 concerning a parent’s right to access their child’s library record. This currently is addressed by local practice.

·         VLA Paraprofessional Forum will be held in at the Doubletree Hotel in Williamsburg on May 2^nd.

·         The 2016 VLA meeting will be held at the Homestead resort in Hot Springs, October 26-28.

o   The opportunity to propose programs is open until April 15^th.

o   West Virginia librarians will be invited to attend at VLA member rates.

o    Mixers will take the place of the traditional Thursday evening All Conference Social. The mixers may be centered around foods but there has also been suggestions for a knitters mixer, and one for people interested in board games,

·         The number one thing VLA members ask for is that the membership directory be made available on the website. It is currently a work-in-progress.