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!

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That's a Wrap! Thank You for a Wonderful 2026 WLA Annual Conference!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference! This year's theme, Rooted in Community, came to life as library professionals from across Wisconsin gathered for four days of learning, connection, inspiration, and celebration.

The conference featured an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers, including Luke Zahm, Aaron Boyd, Dasha Kelly Hamilton, and Jason Kotecki, who challenged us to think creatively, embrace new perspectives, and celebrate the power of community. With more than 55 breakout sessions, attendees had plenty of opportunities to explore new ideas, share experiences, and learn from colleagues across the state.

Beyond the sessions, there were plenty of memorable moments! Attendees enjoyed a much-appreciated coffee truck, professional headshots, a behind-the-scenes tour of Raven Software, and tours of UW–Madison's Morgridge Hall. Kris Turner brought the laughs and friendly competition as host of our lively Trivia Night, which raised funds for the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation. The return of the Authors Showcase offered an opportunity to connect with talented Wisconsin authors and illustrators, while the Awards & Honors Banquet celebrated the remarkable achievements of Wisconsin's library community. We wrapped up the week with a sweet treat at the Post-Conference Pie Social.

A heartfelt thank you to our Conference Planning Committee, presenters, volunteers, exhibitors, and generous sponsors for making this event possible. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community that made this year's conference so special.

We hope you left feeling inspired, reconnected, and proud to be part of Wisconsin's library community. We can't wait to see you in 2027!

 

 

 

Congratulations to our 2026 Be A Member, Get A Member Winners!

Congratulations to our 2026 Be A Member, Get A Member winners Michael Novotny and Nancy Larson from the West Bend Community Memorial Library!

The WLA is pleased to continue the popular “Be a Member, Get a Member” campaign for 2027. Starting November 1, 2026, through October 15, 2027, when you refer a new member to join the Wisconsin Library Association, both you and the new member will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a cash prize ($250 each). Visit the WLA website for more details.

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. 

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.