If your congregation has a library or media resource center or is considering beginning one, CSLA is here to help. The Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Church & Synagogue Library Association (CSLA) was established in 1979 to promote church and synagogue librarianship on an ecumenical basis in this geographical area. They provide newsletters and hold three meetings per year for all members with workshops on topics of interest, guest speakers, and book discussions - whatever the membership needs to enhance its skills. they maintain a Google group as an electronic forum for exchanging ideas and communicating news among members. The local chapter is one of 23 regional chapters and 7 affiliates of the national CSLA established to provide ongoing service and fellowship. If you would like more information about the organization and its services that might benefit your congregational library, please contact the 2010 Chapter President, Judy Dodge, at judydodge@bellsouth.netor Jan Murphy (2nd VP—Membership) at jamnga@bellsouth.net.

Membership in the national organization is required to join the local chapter. CSLA was formed in 1967 to provide inspirational and educational guidance to people establishing and maintaining libraries and media centers for religious congregations. Membership in CSLA includes individuals and church/synagogue libraries from most states and a dozen other countries. Members of Catholic, Jewish, and more than 30 Protestant denominations are represented.

CSLA:
  • Serves librarians, many of whom are nonprofessional volunteers, through publications, a network of religious libraries, and training sessions offered at regional and national workshops
  • Provides counseling and guidance for individual libraries through its Library Services Committee composed of experienced congregational librarians
  • Holds an annual three-day conference rotating in various parts of the country, providing the opportunity for continuing education in library practice and sharing experience in the field
  • Publishes a quarterly publication, Congregational Libraries Today, with news, book and other media reviews, bibliographies, and articles on all aspects of organizing and operating effective libraries
  • Publishes a series of guides and bibliographies on many aspects of library science targeted at the religious library

For additional information about the organization, you may visit the CSLA website and the local Atlanta chapter website.