Individual Membership
Why CAL?
by Denise Muniz, Assistant Reference Librarian, Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library
I’m a slow learner. I have worked in a public library for seven years and recently celebrated my 50th birthday. Some might say I was limping towards retirement. In the last two years, however, I have discovered that I am still an infant in the information world. There is a world of future possibilities for me. In December I will graduate from Emporia State University with an MLS and I recently became an active member of the Colorado Association of Libraries.
Why do I call myself a slow learner? It took me seven years working in a library and almost two years in library school before I joined CAL. The light bulb moment was a long-time coming. Let me share with you why it finally hit me that being a CAL member is the right choice for us all.
What will CAL do for me? Being a member of CAL offers a plethora of benefits. First and foremost there is the social aspect. Being a member has afforded me the opportunity to meet other folks who are facing the same joys and frustrations in their jobs as I do. Valuable friendships can be formed during workshops, conferences and committee meetings. These friendships are precious and rewarding and can serve as valuable tools for networking.
The other important reason to become a member of CAL is to support the important work that our organization does. I was lucky enough to hear Jamie LaRue speak about this during a recent paraprofessional conference. He highlighted the fact that as a united group, librarians are a force with which to be reckoned. During this era of financial hardship and government cutbacks, we have a moral imperative to support our CAL colleagues who are on the frontline in the ongoing battle. CAL members are constantly vigilant and actively responding to actions of the legislature and the governor of our state. Each one of us is needed to help keep our voice powerful.
If you are not a card-carrying member of CAL, please consider joining us today. When I sent in my check, I thought it was to get the magazine and discounts on conferences. It has turned out to be so much more. I feel as though my voice is making a difference. I’m also having a lot of fun!- Go to Individual Membership form - Note: This version for online payment.
- Download and print off the PDF version of the individual membership form to mail in with your payment.