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Welcome! GBCLA was founded in 1972 by the librarians from Dana Hall School, Rivers School, and Winsor School. The group has grown steadily, and now includes more than 50 member schools. The mission of GBCLA is to exchange ideas, to inform ourselves about new trends, and to produce and promote programs or materials related to libraries and reading.
Top 10 Reasons to Join GBCLA
1. Networking: We meet four times each year to discuss independent school library topics and trends.
2. Hosting: Volunteer to host a GBCLA meeting at your school -- it's great PR for your school, and it's an efficient way to attend meetings!
3. Grants: for professional development requests up to $750.00 is available each year, through grant rounds in the fall and spring. Total amount/year is $3000 ($1500 for each grant round).
4. Low yearly dues: Only $50 per school per year!
5. Listserv: Active Google Group for communication and support.
6. ILL: Interlibrary loan system (CLASS) to share resources among member schools.
7. Leadership: Opportunities for committee and leadership roles to advance the profession of library and information science.
8. AISL 2019: Boston is the host for the AISL 2019 conference! Our planning committee can always use additional voices.
9. "Field Trips:" One of our annual meetings is an activity or field trip. Examples include: Boston Public Library renovation tour and Local Historical Society.
10. Site Visits: Attend meetings and visit GBCLA libraries across the area to see best practices in action.
2018-2019 Meeting Schedule
Fall Meeting: Waring School
October 17, 2018
Noon - 3:00pm
AISL 2019 Planning Committee 12:00-12:45pm, GBCLA Meeting 1:00-3:00pm 

Mid-Fall Field Trip: Concord Area Attractions hosted by Concord Academy
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Noon - 3:00pm
AISL 2019 Planning Committee 12:00-12:45pm, GBCLA Excursions 1:00-3:00pm

Winter Meeting: Gann Academy
February 12, 2019 (Snow date February 13)
Noon - 3:00pm
AISL 2019 Planning Committee 12:00-12:45pm, GBCLA Meeting 1:00-3:00pm

Spring Meeting: Derby Academy
May 8, 2019
Noon - 3:00pm
AISL 2019 Planning Committee 12:00-12:45pm, GBCLA Meeting 1:00-3:00pm
We welcome New England independent school librarians to join this fine collegial group. Yearly dues are $50.00 per school. Please contact Jeff Smith, Membership Secretary.