Registration is now open for the 58th Annual Meeting of the Council of Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, May 12-15 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA!
Here is a link to the Annual Meeting website: https://cbhl.libguides.com/Longwood2026/
It has all of the information you need about registration, transportation, lodging, daily programs, how to apply to present, how to submit coffee chat ideas, our wonderful sponsors, etc.
Dear Members,
CBHL will be offering three Founders Fund Awards this year to encourage participation and connection among CBHL members.
· You must be a current member during the award year.
· You must not have received the award in the last 10 years.
· Members are only eligible to receive one award per year.
· Does not apply to commercial members
· Current CBHL Board members are ineligible to apply.
CBHL offers three awards to CBHL members each year: the Conference Collaboration Award, The Founder’s Fund Award, and the EBHL Travel Award. This year, CBHL will be offering three Founders Fund Awards of $1000 each to encourage participation and connection among CBHL members. CBHL will not be offering the Conference Collaboration Award or the EBHL Travel Award this year.
The number of CBHL awards is based on availability of funds in a given fiscal year. The grantee(s) will be selected by blind lottery if there are multiple applicants or if there are more applicants than awards. Applications are due by February 27, 2026 and applicants will be notified by March 6, 2026. Grantees will need to submit qualifying receipts to the CBHL Treasurer after the conference to receive award funds. For additional details about the award and how to apply, please see below.
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The purpose of the Founders’ Fund Travel Fellowship Award is to provide limited financial support to assist applicant (s) in attending the CBHL annual meeting. Established in 1991, the Founders’ Fund Travel Fellowship is a memorial to deceased CBHL members.
The amount of the 2026 award may be applied to meeting registration fee(s), lodging, and transportation to and from the conference only, up to $1000. Recipients will be expected to submit a report to the CBHL Newsletter highlighting a specific aspect of the conference that will be informative for CBHL members.
To Apply: The application form is password protected. The password has been sent to membership through the e-list.
The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL) invites nominations for two key leadership positions: Vice President and Treasurer. These roles are essential to advancing CBHL’s mission of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge among botanical and horticultural libraries worldwide.
Vice President
The Vice President serves as a vital member of the Executive Committee, supporting the President and helping guide the strategic direction of CBHL. This role includes assisting with organizational planning, member engagement, and preparing to assume the presidency in the following term.
Treasurer
The Treasurer oversees CBHL’s financial health, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. This position is critical for maintaining transparency and sustainability within the organization.
Full descriptions of both positions can be found in the Bylaws (revised 2025) [PDF]
Why Serve?
Serving on the CBHL Executive Committee is an opportunity to:
* Shape the future of botanical and horticultural libraries.
* Collaborate with passionate professionals.
* Develop leadership skills and expand your professional network.
The Council of Botanical & Horticultural Libraries is virtually hosting our 57th Annual Meeting from May 6-8, 2025, focusing on the theme of “Where do we grow from here?” This theme is grounded in priorities we see as critical and fundamental to CBHL, our profession, and our institutions: discovery, diversity, advocacy, and sustainability.
Presenter(s) are invited to submit a proposal for a 15-minute presentation on any aspect of these current and future changes, challenges, and opportunities. All sessions will be virtual, and sessions will be recorded and made available asynchronously.
Please submit proposals of 150-250 words, including your name and email contact information, to this Google Form by February 28, 2025.
Any questions or concerns regarding presentations can be relayed to Allaina Wallace, CBHL Past President, at [email protected].
We look forward to receiving your session submissions!
CBHL’s official account is now up and running, with our first post pushed on January 10 th . If you’re on the ‘gram, be sure to follow @plantlibraries!
This account aims to showcase the great work of CHBL and all our members.
The account is currently being managed by CBHL members Connor Graham, Céline Arseneault, Kristen Mastel, and Kristine Paulus. If you have ideas for future posts, please share them with the team!
Kristen Mattel, Head Librarian & Curator, Andersen Horticultural Library, University of Minnesota Libraries / Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, is 2024-2025 CBHL president.
Kristine Paulus, Collection Development Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, New York
Botanical Garden, has been voted as 2024-2025 CBHL vice-president.
See all 2024-2025 board directors and contact information.
All winners were announced during the Annual Meeting in East Lansing Michigan, May 7, 2024.
View all winners & nominees and press release
The nominees for the 2024 CBHL Annual Literature Award are now available: