American Library Association - Promoting the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Chicago, the American Library Association -- the "voice of America's libraries" -- is the largest library association in the world. Its 66,000 members are primarily librarians, but also trustees, publishers and others who support the work of the association. The mission of the ALA is to promote the highest quality library and information services and the profession of librarianship, as well as ensure access to information for all people. ALA invites you to contact your local school, academic or public library to find out how you can help make a difference - whether that's volunteering your time, offering your expertise, joining a local Friends group, reading to children, or donating books and materials. For more information on how to become a library advocate, see the ALA Website at www.ala.org and click on "Issues and Advocacy."
1-800-Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer Centers across the nation. 1-800-Volunteer is the most comprehensive system available for recruiting and engaging Spanish and English speaking volunteers, mobilizing volunteers during disaster situations, communicating with the public, and meeting the complex needs of nonprofit organizations. 1-800-Volunteer.org connects you to volunteer opportunities in your community, helps you track your volunteer service, and sends you automatic e-mail notifications - enabling you to respond when you're needed most. This free service is your direct link to local opportunities selected by your Volunteer Center and brought to you by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network. (www.1-800-Volunteer.org)