Metropolitan Atlanta Library Association records

The Metropolitan Atlanta Library Association was founded in 1931 as The Library Club of Atlanta, which was changed to the Atlanta Library Club in 1933, and again to its present name in 1966. Clara Howard, Dean of the Library School, Emory University, was instrumental in its creation. Its purpose is to promote the interests of professional librarians. Standing committees have included: Membership, Programs, Public Relations, Recruiting-Scholarship and Intellectual Freedom. The programs have led to activities such as dinners, social and business meeting, fund drives, and charitable donations.

In 1962-1963, there was discussion of integrating the organization, resulting in the unanimous decision of the executive board to allow African-Americans to join. The Recruiting-Scholarship committee awarded scholarships to students interested in continuing their education in library science beginning in 1954. The scholarship fund was financed by a percentage of membership dues and by various fund raising activities. The principle correspondent for the organization was Mary Louise Rheay, Chairperson of the Scholarship and Program committees and vice president and president of the organization. Metropolitan Atlanta Library Association affiliated with the American Library Association in 1933. The Metropolitan Atlanta Library Association also affiliated with the Southeastern Library Association and the Georgia Library Association.