WLA 2025 Elections

 

 

Final List of Candidates 

WLA Board of Directors

WLA Board Secretary – Angela Noel, Southwest Wisconsin Library System

Angela Noel, who currently serves as the Director of Southwest Wisconsin Library System, has served on various statewide committees and WLA committees. She has been a member of WLA for over a decade and has presented at a number of WLA and WAPL conferences. She received her master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Prior to taking her role at SWLS, Angela served as director at three small, rural libraries in Wisconsin and also has over a decade of experience in nonprofit administration. Angela's aim in becoming WLA's next secretary is two-fold: 1) to learn more about the WLA Board and operations and 2) to ensure that small and rural libraries have a voice.

WAPL Board Liaison – Jennifer Sessions,  Verona Public Library

Jenny Sessions is the daughter of a librarian and a lifetime Wisconsinite. She graduated from UW Eau Claire with a BS in History and a minor in Political Science and enough credits to also minor in Art History and Physics. After a decade working in academic libraries, with stints in copy cataloging, the Astronomy Library, the Textile and Dress Library, the Agriculture Library, and the Law Library, she made the jump into public librarianship. Jenny is a UW iSchool Alum and presently works as a Reference Librarian at Verona Public Library. She is grateful that a job exists that rewards her for having an interest in everything. Jenny is also the board game librarian for Verona. In her spare time, she is a parent, a gamer, a cook, in fandom, and an aspiring sewist. Ask her about her most recent audiobook, or that cool video essay she just watched.

WAPL Board Liaison – Shannon Stoner, Gillett Public Library

Over ten years of my career has been spent in public libraries and academic libraries. I have a Master's of English degree from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. During my four years at Gillett Public Library, I have attended the annual WAPL conference and have presented seminars in 2023 and will be presenting another seminar at the WLA Conference 2026 in October. I currently serve on the ILS Exploration Committee for OWLS. Libraries are an essential resource in our communities for countless reasons. Thus, it is essential for libraries to communicate and collaborate wherever possible to help those in need. At my library, I have started multiple initiatives such as a Little Free Pantry and Pop Up Library Program.

 

WLA Foundation Board of Directors

WLAF Director at Large – Katharine Clark, Middleton Public Library

Katharine Clark is the Deputy Director of the Middleton Library in Middleton, WI. She has been working as a librarian since 2003 and has been involved with WLA since her first year in the profession. She is the current WLA President and has served on many WLA Committees, including Conference Planning and Leadership Development ones. Katharine lives in Evansville, WI with her husband and two dogs. Besides reading of course, she enjoys playing golf in her free time. I have been involved with WLA for over twenty years and have served on the WLA Foundation Board in the past. My experience and knowledge will help me contribute in growing the Foundation endowment. I am committed to raising money so we can give out more scholarships and provide more opportunities for our WLA members. I look forward to serving on this Board again if selected.

WLAF Director at Large – Tracy Vreeke, Nicolet Federated Library System

Tracy Vreeke is the Director at Nicolet Federated Library System. The Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS) is a state-funded organization assisting 15 member public libraries, through 42 library outlets, in providing better services to the people of northeastern Wisconsin since 1976. While Tracy hasn't been there since 1976, she has been at the helm for the last several years. Tracy attained a bachelor's degree from Carroll University in Politics/Russian Studies in 1987, and joined the library world late, graduating from UW Milwaukee SOIS with the class of 2019. In between, she spent time waitressing, globetrotting, stage-managing, blacksmithing, raising a family, owning a restaurant, cataloging at the Door County Library, and of course reading (a lot!). In addition to her professional role, Tracy is honored to serve the Wisconsin library community as a representative on the SRLAAW board, WPLC board, and the WLA board.

 

AWSL/Association of Wisconsin Special Librarians

AWSL Vice Chair – Helen Murphy, University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science & Engineering Center

My name is Helen Murphy, and I’m the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been a member of AWSL for just one year, but I am excited to have the opportunity to grow the community of special libraries in this leadership position.

 

OSRT/Outreach Services Roundtable

OSRT  Vice Chair – Kelly Nelson, Bridges Library System

I have worked in public libraries for over 20 years and am currently the Coordinator of Library Development with the Bridges Library System. Prior to that, I was the Adult Services Manager with the Pewaukee Public Library. Within that role I saw the importance of reaching community members of all ages. In 2025, I was the secretary of the Outreach Services Round Table and would love to continue to work with this group in the role of Vice Chair/Chair Elect.

 

SSCS/Support Staff & Circulation Services

SSCS Director at Large – Owen Anderson, Appleton Public Library

Owen Anderson is the Public Services Supervisor at the Appleton Public Library. He began working in libraries as a part-time clerk after transitioning from a career in international advertising. Owen is passionate about advocating for and strengthening the support provided to circulation and support staff, recognizing the critical role they play in delivering essential library services.

SSCS Director at Large – Mikki Moesch, Shawano County Library

I have been with the Shawano County Library since 2000. With no library background, I started as a page and have worked most every position from shelving to circulation to programming. I started as Assistant Director in 2021 where my focus shifted to supporting staff in our 5 branch locations. I have presented on topics I am passionate about locally at WAPL and WLA conferences, as well as nationally at ARSL. In my free time I can be found gardening, cooking and baking, and always listening to a book.

 

TSS/Technical Services Section

TSS Vice Chair – Jennifer Bernetzke, Southwest Wisconsin Library System

Jennifer Bernetzke is the ILS/ILL Consultant for the Southwest Wisconsin Library System. She assists with reporting and statistics-gathering, maintains the shared ILS for the system, and works with member libraries to ensure that the shared catalog is working and that patrons are able to access the materials they need through interlibrary loan.

TSS Secretary – Lindsey Walker, La Crosse Public Library

I bring over seven years of library experience, with a focus on cataloging, acquisitions, selection, and collection management. My introduction to the field began as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Hatch Public Library in Mauston, WI, where I later served in an official capacity supporting collection management and materials processing. For the past three years, I have worked at the La Crosse Public Library, deepening my expertise in technical services as their Cataloging and Acquisitions Librarian. I earned my MLIS through the iSchool at UW-Madison in 2023. During my time at LPL, I collaborated with my supervisor, Lindsay Schmitt, on a grant-funded project through the Bibliographic Standards Committee, analyzing cataloging practices across Wisconsin library systems to support the development of shared standards. I am passionate about bringing awareness about what we do in technical services and promoting collaboration across library systems and would be honored to contribute that perspective as a board member.

 

WAAL/WI Association of Academic Libraries

WAAL Secretary – Rosemary Froeliger, Moraine Park Technical College

I earned my MLIS from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and my bachelor’s in Public History with a minor in Public Libraries from UW-Whitewater. I have been at my current position at MPTC's academic library in Beaver Dam for 5 years. I been dedicated to performing quality outreach, evolving classroom instruction, and cultivating collections for diverse patrons. My experience within the WTCS and the UW system gives me a unique perspective on a variety of academic users and needs. Recently, I have prioritized combating censorship efforts by collaborating with the IF Committee. I am interested in the Secretary role for WAAL as I want to continue being involved and provide support for other professionals. I hope to continue growing and learning from others through this experience. I have had amazing Wisconsin mentors and want to play a part in cultivating a positive professional community for others.

 

WAPL/WI Association of Public Libraries

WAPL Vice Chair – Holly Selwitschka, Kimberly Public Library

Holly Selwitschka serves as Director of the Kimberly Public Library in the Outagamie Waupaca Library System (OWLS). She sees libraries as vital places of connection—where stories, cultures, and ideas meet. Holly is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that promote equity, access, and lifelong learning for every community she serves.

 

WISL/WI Small Libraries

WISL Vice Chair – Clairellyn Sommersmith, Winnefox Library System

Clairellyn Sommersmith is the current Director of the Winnefox Library System. Previously, she was the director of the Princeton Public Library, a small library requiring her to wear many hats, just like all small library directors. Following construction of a $1 million plus library remodel, Clairellyn took on the role of Winnefox Assistant Director before becoming System Director. Clairellyn is a champion for small libraries, involved in the Policy of the Month Club, and most recently served on the WLA Leadership Committee overseeing the Mentorship Program.

 

YSS /Youth Services

YSS Chair Elect – Katie Alford, Menomonee Falls Public Library

Hello! I’m Katie Alford, the Youth Services Manager at the Menomonee Falls Public Library. I started my library adventure twelve years ago at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Teen Services. After relocating to Wisconsin, I built teen and tween services at the Menomonee Falls Public Library from the ground up. It was a great opportunity that included collection development, program planning, volunteer coordinating, social media marketing, outreach, and the creation of a teen space and a tween space. I later moved into the role of Youth Services Manager. Some of my favorite projects as YS Manager: Truck Day (best day of the year – a free program that brings the whole community together and has grown from 200 to over a thousand attendees), coordinating a redesign for our Children’s Library, and launching a permanent StoryWalk®.I'm currently on the YSS Board as a Director-At-Large, working on the YSS Blog and the Midday Mingle events. The relationships and connections Youth Services staff make with each other are integral and incredibly rewarding. I'd be honored and thrilled to continue fostering those collaborations and providing support for libraries and librarians across the state. Thank you :)

YSS Director at Large – Desiree Johnson, Beloit Public Library

I have a B.S. in Early Childhood and an MLIS with a focus on youth services and early literacy. I have worked with young children (0-6) for over 16 years, both in early ed settings and now at the Beloit Public Library. My focus at BPL is early literacy but I also work with elementary and tween-aged kids in various programs. I am passionate about early literacy and I love working with partners around our community. This is my first introduction to the YSS Board, and I am applying for the Director at Large position because I’m excited to be involved in providing resources and fostering connections with the amazing community of youth librarians across the state!

YSS Director at Large – Beth Krebs Smith, Edgerton Public Library

Beth has been on staff at Edgerton Public Library for six years and has been the director for three years. She received her MLIS from San Jose University. Beth began her work at Edgerton Public Library working with teens. Her emphasis during her Master's program was in teen services. She remains committed to providing a welcoming and fun library environment for teens as well as children. Beth is currently a member of the Inclusive Services SIG, has served on the WLA Awards committee, and has also served on the YALSA Best Fiction for YA awards committee. She is interested in being a part of the Youth Services Section because she believes in the importance of building strong readers and life-time library users at a young age.

YSS Director at Large – Abby Seymour, Oregon Public Library

I have been working as a Teen Librarian since 2016. I started out in that role pulling double duty at two libraries simultaneously: Menomonie Public Library and Altoona Public Library. Those were my first jobs after graduating from UW-Eau Claire with a minor in Library Science and a major in German, so I really felt like I was diving in head first. In 2019, I was able to move up to a full-time job as Teen Librarian at the E.D. Locke Public Library in McFarland, WI. I grew the teen program through the pandemic and into a thriving space for middle school students. That success made it difficult to leave in January of 2024, but I was excited to start a new teen program at the Oregon Public Library. Now I am excited to give back to the group who has always supported and inspired me: YSS.

YSS Director at Large – Alicia Woodland, McMillan Memorial Library

With over 30 years of experience working with children from 3 months-18 years old, including classroom teaching experience, technology education curriculum creation, imaginative library programming and working in every library job from page to YA services manager she’s still thrilled to work in Library and Information Science. A strong advocate of lifelong learning and an expert at thinking outside of the box, Alicia is also known for two quotes “I have ideas!” and “Well, maybe we can find a way to make it work….” As the Young Adult Services Manager at McMillan Memorial Library Alicia has acquired a variety of affectionate nicknames including but not limited to Miss Alicia, Miss Shillelagh and for some strange reason Lamborghini. She has degrees and awards and such but feels that serving her local community is her greatest honor.

 

 

Make sure you are election ready!  Take time now to check your member profile to make sure you belong to the sections and divisions you desire.  Log in to your profile on the WLA website, click on “My Profile” and scroll through the “About Me” page to the list of sections and divisions listed in your profile.  Want to make a change?  Click “Edit Profile” to add/delete sections and divisions.  Don’t forget to save your work!