It’s been a few days since I paid the ALA website a visit, so I dropped in. Clicking on the “Membership” tab, I found out several reasons why people join. The reasons that resonated the most:
* Continuing Education
* Intellectual Freedom
* Networking
* Divisions and Roundtables
Concerning the last bullet, in order to join the divisions, you must first be a member of the ALA and pay both membership fees. So if I wanted to join the Young Adult Library Services Association, I need to pay the “friends” rate of $59 and another $25 for YALSA.
I’ll wait until I’m an MLS student before I join because the student rate is cheaper.
Highly Textured Librarian 
The main reason I can think of to join before library school is if some scholarships you apply for say you have to be an ALA member to be eligible. Otherwise, waiting until you’re a student makes sense. The student rate is awesome!
So are you a member? What is it like?
I’ve been a member for a couple of years now. I haven’t gotten involved in the national level yet, but enjoy getting the monthly magazine. Being involved in the ALA Student Chapter at my library school has been very worthwhile. On the next level, I’m trying to decide it I should get involved with the state library association or ALA.
Adding that to my things to do once I start school.
*Join ALA student group