Dear FLA Members and Friends,
Florida librarians and library supporters are at risk of losing their most important statewide advocate and professional resource. After 125 years of service, the Florida Library Association is on the brink of ceasing all operations. The association has cut its operating budget to the bare minimum by closing its Tallahassee office in October 2025, eliminating part-time staff, and suspending its lobbying services. Despite these significant cuts, our financial resources have been exhausted. Without immediate support, we will be forced to operate without staff within weeks, placing the future of FLA, its legislative advocacy efforts, professional development programs, and the annual FLA Conference in serious jeopardy.
The FLA Board and Fundraising Committee are actively pursuing long‑term strategies to stabilize revenue, but an immediate, short‑term solution is critical simply to keep our association functioning. We ask every member and friend of FLA to make an at least one-time donation of $25, $50, or any amount they are able to give us the time we need to work on a permanent solution. We need our members’ support more now than ever in the history of FLA. Please give generously today and share with family, friends, and your community.
A combination of factors, including declining membership, low conference attendance, and ongoing economic pressures on library budgets, has placed FLA in a critical financial position. Many library professionals who once attended the conference or maintained memberships are no longer receiving institutional support to do so. Others are facing budget restrictions that make participation difficult. Regardless of the reasons, the result is the same: FLA is struggling to cover basic operating expenses, and therefore the organization and the 2027 Annual Conference is at risk. This is not just about an organization. It is about preserving a professional community that benefits every library in Florida.
Each year, the FLA Annual Conference brings together library professionals from across the state for learning, collaboration, and innovation. Through leadership development, networking, scholarships, and professional resources, FLA strengthens libraries and the communities they serve. Just as importantly, FLA provides a unified voice for libraries in Tallahassee. When critical issues arise, FLA advocates on behalf of Florida libraries. Most recently we joined organizations such as the Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, and the Florida Recreation and Park Association in opposing Amendment 3. Without immediate support, Florida risks losing both its premier statewide library conference and its strongest advocate in the legislative arena. Please don't let these essential pillars of Florida's library community disappear.
We believe Florida libraries need a strong, independent statewide association now more than ever.
The challenges we face are real, but so is the value of this organization. Together, we can ensure that FLA remains a powerful advocate, a trusted professional resource, and a thriving community for library workers throughout Florida.
Please donate today and help keep FLA strong for the libraries, library professionals, and communities that rely on us.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Florida libraries.
Sincerely,
The FLA Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee
Donate to FLA
Florida Library Association's $100,000 Fundraising Campaign
FLA requires robust fundraising on an ongoing basis to maintain normal operations and ensure the future of your association. Your critical donation supports the work of the Florida Library Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts to FLA are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
Support the Florida Library Association (FLA) by making a donation toward its general operating expenses. Donating to the General Fund allows FLA the most discretion and flexibility in allocating your contribution to our greatest financial needs.
The healthier FLA is financially, the better able we are to support and advocate for Florida libraries and library staff. Support the Florida Library Association (FLA) today. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Please note that while BetterWorld does not charge FLA any transaction fees, its payment processor, Stripe, does.
CLICK HERE to donate to the FLA GENERAL FUND
Florida Library Association's General Fund
Your donation supports the work of the Florida Library Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts to FLA are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
Support the Florida Library Association (FLA) by making a donation toward its general operating expenses. Donating to the General Fund allows FLA the most discretion and flexibility in allocating your contribution to our greatest financial needs.
The healthier FLA is financially, the better able we are to support and advocate for Florida libraries and library staff. Support the Florida Library Association (FLA) today.
Please note that while BetterWorld does not charge FLA any transaction fees, its payment processor, Stripe, does.
CLICK HERE to donate to the FLA GENERAL FUND
Thank you for your generous donation!
DONOR RECOGNITION
The following donors have contributed to FLA's Christmas in July Fundraising Campaign and/or to FLA's General Fund:
- Friends of the Library of Bonita Springs
- Tom Sloan
- Alyssa Koclanes
- Winona Patterson
- James Larson
- Katharine Kan
- Patricia Schuman
- Alicia Long
- Anne Casey
- Lynette Schimpf
- Sarah Hammill
- Douglas Crane
- Denise Shereff
- Steve Powell
- Mary Jane Little
- Caitie Cerise
- University of South Florida School of Information Faculty
- Geri McCarthy
- Marina Morgan
- Mariela Diaz
- Ed and Kathleen Casey
- Barbara J. Stites
- Friends of the Deltona Library
- Monika Knapp
- Marjorie Waldo
- Jeannette Smithee
- April Lafferty
- Maria Barakovskykh
- Cathy Anthony
- Faith Wilpon
- Linda McCarthy
- Mary Kretsch
Advocacy for Florida Libraries - Friends of Florida Libraries Honor Roll
Support the Florida Library Association by contributing to the Friends of Florida Libraries Honor Roll.
Honor Roll is FLA's advocacy fund. Donations in the following categories will be recognized on the FLA website and at Library Day in Tallahassee:
- Library Champion $500 or more A big THANK YOU to our Donors!
- Library Patron $150 to $499 Library Champions (2025): Friends of the Library Alachua County
- Library Friend Up to $150
CLICK HERE to donate to the FLA ADVOCACY HONOR ROLL FUND
FLA provides graduate scholarships. Two scholarships are available for those pursuing Master's degrees in library and information science: one to Florida State University, one to the University of South Florida.
CLICK HERE to donate to the FLA Scholarship Fund
This donation portal should be used by past FLA presidents only. FLA's Past Presidents help raise funds to support the future of the Florida Library Association. Each dollar donated goes to the Past Presidents Scholarship Fund for graduate MLIS/LIS students from the University of South Florida and Florida State University.
CLICK HERE to donate to the FLA Past Presidents Scholarship Fund
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
The toll-free number and website for the Division of Consumer Services, which can be used to obtain the registration information are: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) and www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. The Florida Library Association, Inc. registration number is CH22102.
