Officially chartered in 1963, the New England Library Association is a regional organization whose membership represents a wide range of library‑related interests. Its objectives are to initiate, plan and support regional activities; to encourage the exchange of ideas; and to cooperate with regional and national agencies having related interests. Mission Statement: The mission of the New England Library Association is to provide educational and leadership opportunities for library staff in support of improved library services for the people of New England. To that end, the association (1) engages regionally in important discussions in the library profession, (2) encourages the exchange of ideas through a variety of formal and informal events and (3) collaborates regionally and nationally with allied organizations. NELA is a chapter of the American Library Association. Values: Mentoring newer members of the library profession, and promoting leadership development for the good of library service in New England and beyond Inclusion & networking opportunities for all types of libraries and library workers Educating/Helping to educate library staff for professional excellence Recognizing and celebrating personal and professional achievement in libraries Fostering communications among library organizations in our region (i.e. New England) Connecting people in ways that make their personal and work lives more meaningful, and helping them to learn from one another Engagement of members across the organization