Public Libraries Australia

Inaugural Conference

"Libraries are Loud! - but who's listening?"

Public Libraries Australia (PLA) was formed in 2003 in response to an identified need for an organisation that could advocate, aggregate and advance Australia’s 1,700 public libraries.

In its relatively short existence to date, PLA has formed a Board of Management that includes representatives from every state and territory in Australia as well as three appointed positions from our partner organisations – the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA); the Council of Australian State Libraries (CASL); and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

At this point in its development, PLA relies strongly on the voluntary contribution of Board members and state committees to meet its aspirations. PLA is delighted to have activated one of its initial goals – to hold an inaugural conference for public library staff and supporters from across Australia. The conference will was held at Albury, located on the border of NSW and Victoria, some 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 6 hours from Sydney.

The conference – titled “LIBRARIES ARE LOUD – but who’s listening???” - featured a program that focused on current and future issues for the public library sector. The conference attracted attendees from all states of Australia.

PLA Conference Organising Committee.