Our History

VCLA History 1958-2023

                VCLA was first organized by volunteer church librarians on                      November 12, 1958, at Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the State Church Library Convention of Virginia.  In 1960, the first Spring Workshop was held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Members worked to open and maintain the Media Center there from 1974-1996.

         In 1997, we were informed that there would be no more funding from the Baptist General Association of Virginia.  At this time, the organization voted that the Virginia Baptist Media Library Association would become self-sufficient and publish semi-annual newsletters.  They also voted to charge annual individual and church membership dues for the organization to continue its ministry to church librarians. The current name was adopted in 2014.  Today, we have over 120 members representing 53 churches that are Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, & Non-Denominational.

          It’s a voluntary organization of Christian members who are dedicated to the support and advancement of church library ministries.  Current ministry partners included Church Librarians Network & Book Systems, Inc. while welcoming new members and partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of this ministry in all interested churches and individuals.

**History is updated every five years