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!

 

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.

 

 

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.

WLA on the Road Makes Its Final 2026 Stop in Kenosha!

Our final WLA on the Road event of 2026 brought library professionals together at KPL Kids in Kenosha on November 6 for a morning of connection, creativity, and hands-on fun!

Attendees had a wonderful time exploring toys through unstructured play and unleashing their creativity with self-directed projects. The experience was a great reminder that play, curiosity, and creativity are just as valuable for adults as they are for the children we serve.

A big thank you to our Kenosha hosts for creating such a welcoming and engaging experience, and to everyone who participated in WLA on the Road events across Wisconsin this year.

Special thanks to our 2026 sponsors: UWM School of Information Studies, e-ImageData, FEH Design, and Wegner CPAs for making these opportunities possible.