The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc. (CBHL) is an international organization of individuals, organizations and institutions concerned with the development, maintenance and use of libraries of botanical and horticultural literature.

The purpose of CBHL is to initiate and improve communication and coordinate activities and programs of mutual interest and benefit to its membership.

Activities of the Council are under the general direction of a Board of Directors. Directors are chosen for four-year terms by the entire membership of the Council. The Secretary and Treasurer, the only permanent members of the Board, are also elected by the Council membership.

An annual meeting hosted by a member institution is held each spring, usually in May. Here members have a chance to meet one another to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern, and have a unique opportunity to get an insider's view of a host institution. Locations of past meetings include New York City, Atlanta, Ottawa, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Columbus, Seattle, Santa Barbara and Montreal.

The yearly meetings have included lectures on the care and preservation of collections, computer systems and services, as well as talks on garden literature and botanical art. Individual programs, committee meetings and a scheduled business meeting are regularly complemented by site visits to neighboring gardens and historic locales.

We encourage all interested institutions and individuals to join CBHL.

To apply for CBHL membership, please use the application form posted on this website.