the Independent Libraries association, aims and goals:

educate and inform the public of the location and role of independent libraries

encourage members to promote themselves as part of our national cultural heritage and as valuable educational resources

maintain contact with members

The Objects of the  Independent Libraries ASSOCIATION shall be to:

1. act in the interests of members of the Association in discussions and negotiations with national, regional or local organisations or other relevant agencies

2. arrange meetings relevant to members' interests

3. assist where practicable in preserving buildings, books, archives, art and museum collections owned by member organisations

4. encourage full use and exchange of their special resources

5. engage in lawful activities in furtherance of the Association's objects

6. produce and issue periodic and other publications

7. promote and manage appropriate social activities

8. provide a liaison between members; seek supplementary finance and aid for the conservation of buildings, books, archives, are and museum collections.

Institutions may become members of the ILA if they are independent libraries that are willing and able to subscribe to the aims and objects of the Association. Applicants for membership shall supply, to the Secretary of the Association, copies of their Constitution or Rules, details of their foundation, history and present organisation and a copy of their annual report and latest accounts for consideration by the Officers and Committee. Membership runs from 1st April to 31st March.

Institutional Membership

1. Institutional Membership: £60 annual subscription, payable between 1st April and 1st September
   Click here for an application form

2. Concessionary Institutional Membership: £30 annual subscription, payable between 1st April and 1st September, is available at the discretion of the ILA Committee

3. Associate/Overseas Institutional Membership: £20 annual subscription, payable between 1st April and 1st September

ILA Supporter - just £10 annually (between 1st April and 31st March) - is available for those who wish to support the Association in its work with Independent Libraries. Supporters can attend the Annual General Meeting of the Association (held as part of the ILA Annual Conference) as well as other conferences, seminars and workshops organised by the ILA and its members. The Association does not currently produce a newsletter, but Supporters are encouraged to ‘like’ the Independent Libraries Facebook page (@independentlibraries) which is regularly updated with news and events from our libraries. Please note that Supporters do not automatically gain membership of ILA Libraries and should contact individual libraries about their own membership schemes and general access. Click here for an application form