120 Years of the Virginia Library Association: Reflections from the New Executive Director

T he Virginia Library Association (VLA) began its long history on December 6, 1905, when librarians met in Richmond and formally established an association dedicated to strengthening library services across the Commonwealth. From its founding under State Librarian John P. Kennedy, the Association recognized early on that libraries are integral to public education and civic life.¹

In its early decades, VLA weathered economic upheavals, transportation challenges, and world wars, but its resolve held firm. Over time, VLA not only grew in membership but deepened and solidified its mission: to develop, promote, and improve library and information services throughout Virginia.² While the work of the association has evolved over time, this mission remains VLA’s raison d’etre and guides the work of VLA’s committees and forums to this day. The question then becomes, how are we performing the work of the Association?

A defining pillar of VLA’s work has always been legislative advocacy, especially for public libraries. From the start, VLA lobbied for state aid legislation, which essentially provides funding from the state budget to public libraries. Culminating from this legislative advocacy was the first appropriation of $50,000 by the Virginia General Assembly in 1942 (in the middle of World War II, no less).³ That persistent advocacy has been crucial, as state aid continues today as a formula grant program, supplementing public library budgets.

VLA legislative agendas continue to reflect this ongoing commitment to advocacy for state aid. After years of underfunding, VLA has helped secure multi-year increases, bringing state aid to public libraries closer to the funding levels required by law. The last time Virginia public libraries saw full funding was in 2001, and commitment to aid continued to drop over the next ten years or so.⁴ Due to the continued advocacy and work of our Legislative Committee, as of the 2025 legislative session, Virginia Public Libraries are at 94% of full funding. We continue to build relationships with members of the General Assembly to get us to 100%. This funding matters: according to the Library of Virginia, state aid provides vital support for materials, salaries, automation, and more. In many systems, it is the only source of revenue for certain collections.⁵

On the front of intellectual freedom, VLA has also been a fierce defender. While it may feel like the challenges to intellectual freedom that we have been experiencing are a new phenomenon, it’s important to note that it has happened before (multiple times), and that through advocacy and support, we’ll get through these challenging times.

As early as the Cold War era, VLA opposed censorship and championed the Library Bill of Rights.⁶ The legislative committee worked to secure open access to the internet on public computers at a time when the censorship movement moved to the digital environment with the widespread use of the internet in the late 90s and early 00s. And most recently, under the leadership of past Executive Director Lisa Varga, this commitment has only intensified. Lisa has been active in fighting book challenges, testifying before school boards, and rallying allies with both data and compassion. Her work earned her Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year honor, a testament to how central VLA’s advocacy is, and how vigorously it is being carried forward.⁷ And as you may know, dear reader, Lisa is now the Associate Executive Director of Public Policy and Advocacy with the American Library Association, taking the fight to the national level.

Lisa, in coordination with other state library associations and the American Library Association, has already seen benefits of her advocacy work, such as victories for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, in which a judge blocked the shuttering of IMLS, a crucial step in ensuring federal funding for library services will be available to states to distribute in future years (for more information about the impact of losing federal funding to libraries, see this article).

Over its long history, VLA has seen libraries evolve from traveling book wagons during the Depression to digital collections in the 21st century.⁸ Libraries are typically at the forefront of technological advancement, making those tools accessible to the public. 

The landscape of libraries is continuously changing and is largely affected by the politics of the time, how information is distributed and consumed, and the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve. Today, the landscape continues to shift rapidly.

In a world increasingly beset by misinformation, polarization, and isolation, libraries and their professionals are more critical than ever. Many Virginians rely on their public libraries not just for reading materials, but for trusted information, internet access, social services, and a place of belonging. For too many, libraries are lifelines: gateways to food resources, social services, community connection, and the democratic right to inquiry.

VLA’s role in this ecosystem is multifaceted. It supports library staff across all contexts (public, academic, special) by offering professional development, convening via forums, and advocating institutionally. Through its Intellectual Freedom Committee, VLA helps libraries respond to censorship by providing resources such as Book Resumes for frequently challenged materials, ensuring that diverse voices stay on the shelves. Through its Legislative Committee, it works to secure funding and policy support. VLA supports the next generation of library professionals through its scholarship program, and through leadership development and community-building initiatives like VALLA (the Virginia Library Leadership Academy). VLA also strives to recognize the joy in libraries and bring awareness to the great work of library and information professionals across the Commonwealth through its extensive award program.

The past several years have been marked by Lisa Varga’s dynamic leadership. She has been a powerful voice for libraries, deeply committed to intellectual freedom, public funding, and professional growth. Her recognition as Librarian of the Year validates not just her personal contributions, but VLA’s central role in defending and expanding access. I personally remember being in awe of Lisa and sharing with her that “I want to be like you when I grow up.”

As the new Executive Director, stepping into this role, to be honest, it’s a little intimidating. Lisa’s passion, determination, and relentless advocacy set a high bar! In interviews during the search for this role, I spoke of my commitment to building on the foundation that has been laid, deepening VLA’s work in intellectual freedom, strengthening our legislative influence, nurturing leadership, and centering equity, especially in communities that still face barriers to access.

The world we navigate now is complex. Misinformation spreads faster than ever; political divides run deep. Many people feel disconnected, even as they are flooded with content. For the Commonwealth’s libraries, this means not only offering reliable information but also creating safe, welcoming spaces that affirm belonging.

Meeting these challenges requires a strong, responsive association. VLA must continue to support its members, the librarians, support staff, trustees, and advocates … the literal boots on the ground, with the tools, networks, and training they need to serve their communities.

I look forward to what we can build and accomplish together over the next 120 years, providing that Executive Director something to look back on in awe and joy over what we have accomplished together.

-Dr. Jennifer Scott Brown, Executive Director, Virginia Library Association