NYLA Overview

The New York Library Association (NYLA) is the voice of the library community in New York.

NYLA, established by Melvil Dewey in 1890, is the oldest state library association in the country and represents school, college, special and public libraries, library staff, trustees, and students from around the state.

NYLA is the only statewide organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of all libraries and library staff to the state legislature, and serves as the spokesperson on library matters to the media and public policymakers.

NYLA offers a variety of services and programs to meet our members’ needs ranging from professional development opportunities at our NYLA Annual Conference and regional institutes to member discounts on a range of services and products for your personal or professional needs.

In addition, members receive our regular bi-monthly electronic newsletter, the NYLA e-Bulletin, our weekly email newsletter, News You Can Use, as well as legislative alerts and other timely email updates.

NYLA also recognizes members' achievements and contributions to the library community through awards, fellowships, and scholarships.