2026 WLA AWARDS & HONORS

WLA Special Service Award - Shan Thomas

Archivist Curator at the Mineral Point Public Library

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) is pleased to announce Shan Thomas, Archivist Curator at the Mineral Point Public Library, as the recipient of the 2026 WLA Special Service Award.

The Special Service Award recognizes an individual or group for noteworthy achievement, substantial activities, and exceptional service to the library profession, with an influence and reputation extending beyond the local community. 

Thomas is being recognized for decades of professional archival service and for transforming the Mineral Point Public Library Archives into an accessible and widely used resource for researchers, historians, genealogists, educators, preservationists, authors, filmmakers, and community members.

After joining the Mineral Point Public Library, Thomas undertook an extensive reorganization of its historically significant collections. Over four years, she arranged, described, inventoried, and preserved thousands of photographs, manuscripts, maps, diaries, letters, oral histories, architectural records, newspapers, and rare books according to professional archival standards. 

Today, the archives attract researchers from across Wisconsin, throughout the United States, and even from Cornwall, England. The collections have supported academic publications, genealogical research, documentary films, historic preservation projects, and the study of Mineral Point's significant Cornish heritage. 

Those who work with Thomas say her impact comes not only from her archival expertise, but also from the way she makes history accessible to others. “Her talent transforms what a small public library can accomplish for communities across Wisconsin,” wrote Dr. Eugene R.H. Tesdahl, Professor of History and Department Chair at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. Tesdahl noted that primary documents from the archives have helped support three of his peer-reviewed articles. 

Jim Jewell, a longtime researcher who has used the Mineral Point archives since 1980, praised both Thomas's organization and her commitment to helping visitors. “With the professional organization of Shan Thomas, a researcher no longer needs to ‘dig’ for the treasure, it is now accessible to all.” 

Thomas has also expanded the archives' role in documenting Mineral Point's living history. She has undertaken an ambitious project to document more than 350 artists who have shaped the community since the 1930s, creating artist files and biographical profiles and preserving examples of their work for future generations. 

Mineral Point Public Library Director Diane Palzkill described Thomas as someone who goes well beyond maintaining collections. “She doesn't simply maintain collections—she brings them to life.” 

Thomas's work has also helped property owners, architects, contractors, and preservationists research and restore Mineral Point's historic homes and commercial buildings, supporting preservation efforts within Wisconsin's first National Historic Landmark District. 

Through her archival expertise, public service, mentorship, and commitment to preserving both the past and the history being made today, Thomas has demonstrated the extraordinary impact that a community archive within a small public library can have locally, statewide, and beyond.

WLA Muriel Fuller Award - Jennifer Bernetzke

Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS)

 The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) is pleased to announce Jennifer Bernetzke of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) as the recipient of the 2026 Muriel Fuller Award, recognizing her exceptional service to libraries, library workers, and communities throughout southwest Wisconsin and across the state.

Bernetzke serves as Deputy Director and ILS/ILL Consultant for SWLS, where her broad expertise, collaborative leadership, and commitment to service have made her an invaluable resource to the system’s member libraries. With more than 15 years of library experience, she supports libraries in areas ranging from integrated library systems and interlibrary loan to budgeting, collection development, advocacy, strategic planning, personnel issues, and building projects. 

Before joining SWLS, Bernetzke spent 11 years at Schreiner Memorial Library in Lancaster, beginning as a circulation assistant and eventually becoming director. In that role, she helped lead the library through a major expansion and renovation, including the design, relocation, construction, and reopening of the facility. Schreiner Memorial Library was subsequently named WLA’s 2016 Library of the Year. 

Today, Bernetzke’s work at SWLS helps small and rural libraries make the most of limited resources. She develops training and documentation, provides individualized support, analyzes data, and helps library staff navigate complex operational and technology challenges. Her colleagues note that her approach is not simply to solve problems for libraries, but to build the knowledge and confidence of the people she works with.

“Simply put, everyone here—from directors to staff to board members—looks to Jen for answers. She is a know-it-all in the best way. She is experienced without being jaded and passionate without micromanaging. She lives a life of service,” wrote Edward Gervain, Cataloging and Collections Consultant at SWLS. 

Her impact is particularly evident among the rural libraries SWLS serves. All 27 directors of SWLS member libraries collectively supported Bernetzke’s nomination, describing the practical difference her expertise makes in their communities. 

Janelle Miller, Director of Hildebrand Memorial Library in Boscobel, recalled Bernetzke’s support when Miller was a new director facing her first annual report: “Jen walked me through the entire report and helped ensure that the data I had was entered correctly. She made my life a lot easier that year by going above and beyond to support me.” 

Cathy Smith, Director of Dwight T. Parker Public Library in Fennimore, credited Bernetzke with making a major technology project possible for her small library: “Jen helped us secure LSTA funding which has allowed us to join the shared ILS, a project that would have been out of reach for our small library. Jen was instrumental in prepping and facilitating the work involved. She completely guided us through the process with many, many hours dedicated to ensuring a smooth migration for patrons and library staff. Our migration to the shared ILS would not have been possible without Jen.” 

Bernetzke’s influence also extends well beyond SWLS. She has served on WLA committees, participated in statewide cooperative cataloging and bibliographic standards work, presented at library conferences, served as a WLA mentor, and contributed to statewide conversations about library technology and services. Most recently, she joined WLA’s eBook Legislation Committee addressing restrictive digital content licensing models for public libraries. 

Her commitment to librarianship is perhaps most clearly reflected in the relationships she builds with the people libraries serve. Margaret Jonas, president of the Lancaster Library Foundation, recalled asking Bernetzke to find a magazine article she had read nearly 20 years earlier with only a few details to go on. Bernetzke located it that same day.

“When I thanked her she said, ‘Oh no, my pleasure. I love it when I have to dig a little.’ That’s exactly what you like to hear from your librarian. Jen loves her work and she loves helping people,” Jonas wrote.

WLA Trustee of Year Award - John Kuehn

President of the Fall Creek Public Library Board of Trustees

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) is pleased to announce John Kuehn, President of the Fall Creek Public Library Board of Trustees, as the recipient of the 2026 WLA Trustee of the Year Award. The award recognizes Kuehn’s exceptional leadership, advocacy, generosity, and commitment to strengthening library service in Fall Creek.

A lifelong Fall Creek resident, Kuehn has served on the Fall Creek Public Library Board of Trustees for six years and currently serves as Board President. During a period of significant growth and transformation for the library, he has provided steady leadership while working closely with library staff, Village officials, fellow trustees, and community partners. 

Kuehn has played a central role in bringing a new library and village center to fruition. As co-chair of the Beyond Words Campaign, he helped lead an effort that has raised more than $7 million toward construction of the new facility. He and his wife, Michelle, also donated the land for the new library site.

“John has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and a deep belief in the power of public libraries to strengthen communities,” wrote Megan Jaenke, Vice President of the Fall Creek Public Library Board of Trustees, in support of Kuehn’s nomination. 

John Thompson, Director of the IFLS Library System, has worked with Kuehn for more than five years through his service on the library board, fundraising steering committee, and building committee. Thompson credited Kuehn with helping turn the community’s vision for a new library into reality, writing, “He worked tirelessly with the library director to help spearhead the effort.” 

Kuehn’s contributions extend beyond fundraising and facility planning. As Board President, he has helped improve financial reporting and board governance, led development and adoption of the library’s strategic plan, supported continuing education for staff, and advocated for increased staff wages. He also regularly attends Village Board meetings, volunteers alongside library staff, and has met with elected officials to advocate for public libraries. 

Jaenke also praised Kuehn’s “thoughtful governance, collaborative leadership style, and genuine respect for library staff, fellow trustees, and community members.” She noted that his volunteer service has included countless hours devoted to preparation, advocacy, fundraising and public engagement, undertaken with humility and a sincere desire to serve. 

Kuehn’s impact reaches throughout the Fall Creek community. In his letter of support, Village Administrator Jared McKee described Kuehn as a leader who has generously shared his time, talents, and financial resources with the community and who approaches challenges collaboratively. “His commitment comes from a genuine desire to see Fall Creek succeed, not from a desire for recognition.” 

From guiding the development of a transformational new facility to strengthening library governance and supporting the people who provide library service every day, Kuehn’s work demonstrates the significant impact an engaged and committed trustee can have on a library and its community.