Membership Benefits and How to Join

CHILIS is a dynamic, curious, and active group of public and school librarians working in New Hampshire to provide the best possible in library services to the children of our state.

We believe:

• Only the best is good enough for children.
• Meetings should be full of the gift of laughter.
• An exchange of ideas is a basic ingredient of any meeting.

CHILIS members are encouraged to take leadership roles, engage in activities and enjoy sharing experiences and ideas with other librarians.  We offer members the opportunity to be inspired and involved.

We, the members of CHILIS, would like to invite you to join this wonderful organization.  There are many benefits to belonging to a group of your peers.  Here are a few to consider:

• Scholarships:  CHILIS offers a scholarship program for members who would like to take advantage of professional development opportunities, including library conferences, module courses offered by the State Library, and other continuing education offerings.
• Collegial Networking:  There is nothing like the opportunity to toss around and share ideas, laughs and experiences with your colleagues.  Even carpooling to conferences or workshops becomes a real boost!
• CHILIS Listserv:  CHILIS has an email discussion list where information, ideas, questions, etc. are posted to and by members daily.  No need to feel isolated once you’re on the CHILIS Listserv!  Go to http://maillist2.nh.gov/mailman/listinfo/chilis-l to subscribe.
• Book Group Co-op:  CHILIS members can borrow from a large number of children’s book sets to use for Book Groups.  A list is available of titles and home libraries.
• Conference Opportunities:  Twice a year, CHILIS hosts a daylong conference for youth librarians.  These conferences offer workshops, speakers, a performers’ showcase, raffles and vendors. CHILIS members receive a discount on the conference registration fee.
• Summer Reading Program Support:  For children’s librarians, the Summer Reading Program is one of, if not THE, major program of the year.  CHILIS offers support through participation in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program, Performers’ Showcase, and the Kids, Books and the Arts project, which provides grant opportunities to have a performer at your library.
• Informal Mentoring:  As mentioned, CHILIS is a great opportunity to engage with other librarians and benefit from everyone’s experience.  Often this can take the form of informal mentoring among members, particularly those who may be new children’s librarians or new to NH Libraries.

We hope this has sparked your interest!  The first step to becoming a CHILIS member is to become a member of the New Hampshire Library Association (more benefits and opportunities!) and be sure to check the CHILIS box and add your $5 to the fee schedule.  That will set things in motion, and upon receipt of your membership, you will receive a welcome packet from CHILIS.  Go to the NHLA website and click on Become a Member!