The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has officially opened applications for the 2026 cohort of its Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA), a nationally recognized leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of library leaders across the United States. The fully funded program is accepting applications through 11:59 p.m. EST on November 15, 2025, with strong interest expected from library professionals working across public, academic, school, and special library systems.
VALLA is not a traditional management course. Instead, it is a comprehensive leadership development experience aimed at fostering visionary thinking, inclusivity, and community engagement in library services. The program is open to individuals at any point in their library careers, regardless of formal title or management experience. It encourages participation from those who are passionate about contributing to the evolution of libraries and wish to influence change within their institutions or the wider library ecosystem.
At the heart of the program is the belief that leadership is not confined to job titles or administrative roles. Rather, leadership is viewed as a mindset and skill set that can be cultivated in a variety of contexts—from librarians leading community outreach programs to staff reimagining digital access in underserved areas. This broad definition of leadership ensures that the program remains inclusive and accessible to professionals who may not have had traditional management opportunities but have demonstrated initiative, innovation, and a commitment to service.
The 2026 cohort will begin its journey with an in-person leadership institute scheduled for March 22–25, 2026, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This multi-day event will feature immersive workshops, peer collaboration, and intensive training designed to build foundational leadership competencies. Following the in-person component, participants will engage in an 11-month virtual mentorship and networking program that includes monthly sessions with experienced mentors and fellow cohort members. This format ensures continued support and professional growth throughout the year, allowing participants to apply lessons in real time within their own institutions.
While the core program is fully funded—covering tuition, instruction, and resources—participants are responsible for arranging and funding their travel to the in-person session. The VLA emphasizes that this structure allows the organization to allocate its resources directly to providing high-quality instruction, while maintaining accessibility for participants from across the country.
The reintroduction of VALLA in recent years is part of a broader movement within the library field to reimagine leadership for the 21st century. With library roles evolving in response to changing public expectations, technological advancements, and increasing demands for equity and access, the need for diverse, dynamic leaders has never been greater. Libraries are now expected to serve as digital access points, community connectors, learning centers, and safe public spaces—all while navigating budget constraints and shifting policy landscapes.
Organizers of the Academy note that the program is especially committed to supporting leadership development among underrepresented groups in the profession. The program actively seeks applicants from a variety of backgrounds, geographies, and library types in order to foster a cohort that reflects the diversity of the communities libraries serve. Participants will be challenged to explore issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion through the lens of leadership and to develop strategies for building more responsive, community-centered libraries.
The application process encourages candidates to reflect on their personal leadership journeys and their aspirations for the future. Applicants are not evaluated on job title or years of experience alone, but on their commitment to growth, their engagement with professional challenges, and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the library field. This approach aligns with the Academy’s mission to democratize access to leadership training and to remove barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing leadership roles.
With the application deadline quickly approaching, library professionals are urged to begin preparing their materials and to consider how participation in the Academy could impact both their individual careers and their institutions. As libraries continue to adapt to new service models and public expectations, programs like VALLA play a critical role in ensuring that the profession is equipped with the skills, values, and vision necessary to lead through change.
By investing in leadership development now, the VLA and its partners are laying the groundwork for a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive library future—one shaped by leaders ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving public service landscape.