Welcome!

The Wisconsin Library Association engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin. By your membership and involvement in the Wisconsin Library Association, you impact your library and your community as you engage, inspire and advocate for library workers and supporters throughout our great state. We encourage members to become involved with any one of our many units - member participation and engagement is vital to supporting and promoting WLA's mission. Join us!

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

WLA on the Road Rolls Into Beaver Dam

WLA on the Road made its latest stop at the Beaver Dam Community Library on September 29, bringing library professionals together for a full day of learning, conversation, and connection. The Beaver Dam event was part of WLA’s statewide series designed to bring professional development and informal networking closer to members in communities across Wisconsin.

The day began with breakfast and time to catch up with colleagues before Sara Gold presented A Librarian’s Simple Rubric for AI in the Library, offering attendees a practical way to think about the growing role of artificial intelligence in library work.

Following the morning session, attendees enjoyed lunch and a tour of the newly renovated Beaver Dam Community Library. The afternoon featured Teresa Schmidt presenting Relationships between the Library, Library Board, Municipalities, and Counties, followed by more time for networking and conversation.

A big thank you to the Beaver Dam Community Library for welcoming WLA and providing a wonderful space for the day. And thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make another WLA on the Road gathering a success!

WLA on the Road would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor UWM School of Information Studies; Gold Sponsor e-ImageData; and Bronze Sponsors FEH Design and Wegner CPAs. Their support helps WLA bring opportunities for learning and connection directly to library communities across Wisconsin.

 Member Spotlight 

We are proud to highlight our members who make WLA a vibrant community. Each quarter, we will be sharing their stories! We hope the spotlights will showcase the many paths, personalities, and passions that make Wisconsin’s library community special.

Dawn Tevis from the La Crosse Count Library and Kent Barnard from the Patterson Memorial Library are the latest spotlights.

Read more here.

 

Welcome to The Vault, a community-driven, teen programming resource brought to you by the WLA Youth Services Section!

Whether you need quick passive programming ideas, engaging hands-on activities, curated book lists, or fresh display inspiration, The Vault has you covered. It is designed to take the stress out of your tween and teen services planning.

Because this is a crowd-sourced space, it thrives on your creativity. We encourage you to share your own successful projects and favorite ideas to help support your colleagues across the state!

How to Access The Vault

The Vault is completely free for all current WLA members. Getting started is simple:

  1. Create an account: Visityssvault.proboards.com and register. Please use the same email address associated with your WLA membership.

  2. Await verification: Our administrators will review your registration to verify your current membership status.

  3. Explore and collaborate: Once approved, log back into the forum to browse resources, download materials, and start planning.

Ready to share? Contribute your own fantastic ideas anytime by using the upload link located at the top of the forum homepage.

Congratulations to the 2026 WLA Award Winners!

Hall of Fame Inductee: Kathy Pletcher

Library of the Year: New Richmond Community Library

Demco Librarian of the Year: Mindy King, UW – Stevens Point

Muriel Fuller Award: Jennifer Bernetzke, SW WI Library System

Trustee of the Year: John Kuehn, Fall Creek Public Library

Paralibrarian of the Year: Kate Strattner, Shorewood Public Library

Citation of Merit: Friends of South Milwaukee Public Library

Special Service Award: Shan Thomas, Mineral Point Public Library

Programming Innovation: Nicolet Library System — JobPod Program

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 honorees! We are grateful for the many ways they strengthen Wisconsin libraries.